The Epiphany Proclamation

Before calendars were readily available, it was the custom to proclaim the date of Easter and other celebrations that flow from it to all the faithful on Epiphany.

The Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy (118) says this "solemn proclamation of Easter and the principal dominical feasts" is "ancient in origin and rich in spiritual content." "Its revival in many places would be opportune since it serve[s] to make the connection between Epiphany and Easter, and orientate[s] all feasts toward the greatest Christian solemnity." Whether you hear this proclamation at your parish on Epiphany or not, you can read it here, update your calendars, and take a few moments to meditate on the wonder of the fullness of God's plan!

The text of the proclamation follows:

Dear brothers and sisters, the glory of the Lord has shone upon us, and shall ever be manifest among us, until the day of His return.

Through the rhythms of times and seasons let us celebrate the mysteries of salvation.

Let us recall the year's culmination, the Easter Triduum of the Lord: His Last Supper, His Crucifixion and Death, His Burial, and His Rising, celebrated between the evening of the 1st of April and the evening of the 4th of April.

Each Easter—as on each Sunday—the Holy Church makes present the great and saving deed by which Christ has forever conquered sin and death. From Easter are reckoned all the days we keep holy.

Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, will occur on the 17th of February.

The Ascension of the Lord will be commemorated on the 13th of May.

Pentecost, the joyful conclusion of the season of Easter, will be celebrated on the 23rd of May.

And this year the First Sunday of Advent will be on the 28th of November.

Likewise the pilgrim Church proclaims the Passover of Christ in the feasts of the holy Mother of God, in the feasts of the Apostles and Saints, and in the commemoration of the faithful departed.

Cloche Tip to the Diocese of Saint Louis