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Octave of the Epiphany

Francesco Francia (1450-1517) – The Baptism of Christ

The Octave of the Epiphany traditionally draws the Church’s attention to the Baptism of Our Lord, in which Christ is revealed as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. In the Gospel appointed for this day (John 1:29–34), John the Baptist bears witness to Jesus, proclaiming Him as the promised Messiah and testifying to the descent of the Holy Spirit. At His baptism, Christ enters the waters not to be cleansed, but to sanctify them, revealing His mission to bear sin and bring salvation to all nations.

The Octave of the Epiphany invites reflection on Christ revealed in humility and obedience, standing in the place of sinners. As John points to Jesus as the Lamb of God, we are directed to trust in the One upon whom the Spirit rests. May this feast strengthen our confidence in Christ’s saving work and renew our joy in the promises given to us through Him (John 1:33–34)

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The Epiphany of Our Lord

The Epiphany celebrates Christ’s revelation to the Gentiles, most vividly shown in the visit of the Magi (Matthew 2:1–12). Guided by a star, they traveled from the East to worship the newborn King, offering gifts that confessed His kingship, divinity, and sacrificial death. This feast proclaims the fulfillment of God’s promise that salvation would extend to all nations through the Messiah (Isaiah 49:6).

The Epiphany rejoices in Christ revealed as the Light of the world. May this feast draw us to worship Him with gladness and strengthen our faith in the Savior who gathers people from every nation into His kingdom (John 8:12).

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Vigil of the Epiphany

The Vigil of the Epiphany prepares the Church to celebrate Christ’s manifestation to the nations. Drawing on Old Testament prophecy, especially Isaiah’s vision of light dawning upon the Gentiles, this vigil anticipates the revelation of the Messiah to all peoples (Isaiah 60:1–3). The Church keeps watch in joyful expectation of Christ’s appearing as the Savior of the world.

This vigil invites attentive waiting and reflection. As we prepare to celebrate Christ revealed to the nations, may our hearts be ready to receive Him in faith and to rejoice in the light that shines in the darkness (Matthew 2:1–2).

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Octave of St. John

The Octave of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist prolongs reflection on the beloved disciple who bore witness to the Word made flesh. John, traditionally believed to have died around AD 100 in Ephesus, testified to Christ through his Gospel, epistles, and Revelation. His writings emphasize the divinity of Christ, the reality of the Incarnation, and the certainty of eternal life for those who believe.

John’s witness calls believers to remain steadfast in the truth of Christ and to live in love grounded in that truth. May this octave deepen our confidence in the Word who became flesh for our salvation and strengthen our hope in the life He promises (John 1:1–14; 1 John 5:11–12).

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Octave of St. Stephen

The Octave of St. Stephen continues the Church’s meditation on the first Christian martyr, who was stoned to death around AD 34–35 after boldly confessing Christ before the Sanhedrin (Acts 7). Stephen’s vision of the risen Lord and his prayer for forgiveness for his persecutors mark him as a faithful imitator of Christ. By extending his feast through the octave, the Church reflects more deeply on the cost of discipleship and the hope of resurrection promised to those who die in Christ.

As we continue to remember Stephen, we are reminded that Christian witness is shaped by the cross and sustained by hope in Christ’s victory. May his faithful confession encourage perseverance, forgiveness, and trust in the Lord who receives His servants into eternal glory (Acts 7:55–60).

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The Circumcision of Our Lord

The Feast of the Circumcision and Name of Jesus celebrates the eighth day after our Lord’s birth, when—according to the Law given to Israel—He was circumcised and formally given the name “Jesus,” meaning “The LORD saves” (Luke 2:21). This event reveals both His true humanity and His obedience under the Law for our redemption. It is the first shedding of His blood, already pointing toward the cross. The divine Name bestowed upon Him is the Name in which salvation is found, the Name before which every knee shall bow (Phil. 2:9–11). This feast anchors the Church’s new year in Christ’s saving work.

In the Circumcision of Jesus we behold the Savior taking His place under the Law to redeem those bound by it. His holy Name, spoken over us in Baptism, marks us as God’s own. Here we remember not a saint but the Lord Himself, who is our righteousness. Through His Word and Sacraments, Christ still places His saving Name upon His people, uniting us with believers of every age in the one holy catholic and apostolic Church.

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St. Sylvester I, Bishop of Rome

St. Sylvester I served as bishop of Rome during the reign of Emperor Constantine, a period when Christianity moved from persecution to legal recognition. Though later legend embellished his role, Sylvester’s historical significance lies in shepherding the Church during a time of rapid change and growth. He presided peacefully as the Church emerged into public life and as the great Christological controversies of the fourth century began to take shape. Sylvester died in 335, remembered as a faithful pastor who guided the Church through a pivotal moment in its history.

Sylvester’s life reminds us that the Church remains Christ’s possession in every age—whether persecuted or at peace. May his example encourage steady pastoral care, humility in leadership, and trust in God’s providence as the Church bears witness to Christ amid changing times (Matthew 28:20).

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St. Thomas of Canterbury (Thomas Becket) (d. 1170)

St. Thomas Becket (1119–1170), Archbishop of Canterbury, was martyred while defending the Church’s freedom to proclaim God’s law and Gospel. Once a close ally of King Henry II, Thomas resisted royal interference in ecclesiastical matters after becoming archbishop. His steadfast refusal to compromise the Church’s spiritual authority led to escalating conflict. On December 29, 1170, four knights murdered him in Canterbury Cathedral while he prepared for Vespers. His death shocked Christendom and became a powerful witness to the cost of faithful pastoral leadership and obedience to God over worldly power.

Thomas reminds us that faithfulness to Christ may bring opposition. His courage calls us to fear God rather than men (Acts 5:29). May his witness strengthen pastors and laity alike to uphold truth with humility and resolve, trusting that Christ remains Lord of His Church even amid suffering and conflict.

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The Holy Innocents

The Holy Innocents are the children of Bethlehem who were killed by order of King Herod in his attempt to destroy the newborn Christ (Matthew 2:16–18). Though they did not consciously confess Christ, the Church has long recognized them as martyrs, for they died in place of Him. Their deaths fulfilled the words of the prophet Jeremiah, lamenting the sorrow of Rachel weeping for her children (Jeremiah 31:15). The Holy Innocents bear witness to the reality of evil in a fallen world and to God’s mysterious working of salvation, even through suffering and loss.

The Holy Innocents remind us that Christ entered a world marked by violence and grief in order to redeem it. Their witness calls us to trust God’s mercy when suffering seems senseless and to place our hope in His promise that death does not have the final word. May this day strengthen our confidence that the Lord who took flesh for us also gathers the least and the vulnerable into His eternal care (Matthew 18:14).

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St. John, Apostle and Evangelist

St. John, the son of Zebedee, was called by Christ to follow Him and became part of Jesus’ closest circle (Mark 1:19–20). Known as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23), John stood at the foot of the cross and was entrusted with the care of the Blessed Virgin Mary (John 19:26–27). He later wrote the Gospel of John, three epistles, and the Book of Revelation, bearing witness to Christ as the eternal Word made flesh (John 1:1–14). Tradition holds that John died a natural death after years of faithful ministry, exile, and pastoral care.

John invites us to abide in Christ, who is the Word of life and the light of the world (John 1:4). His writings call us to faith, love, and truth rooted in the incarnate Son of God. May his witness draw us into deeper trust in Christ and joyful confidence that, through Him, we have life in His name (John 20:31).