An Epiphany Welcome!

Welcome to our new readers from The Anchoress!

The custom of assigning patron saints is an old and venerable ones. Some cultures and communities have done this before the First Sunday of Advent, others on the feast of the Epiphany.

The Church Ladies have been assigning patron saints for the new year. This year's theme is the Year for Priests; saints are chosen randomly from within our master list. Please email us at psochurchladies(at)gmail(dot)com to receive one. We are also happy to share the list so you can hold your own drawing with your school or family.

As you celebrate the Epiphany today, keep in mind the Directory of Popular Piety's exhortations for today:

• the solemn proclamation of Easter and the principal dominical feasts

• the exchange of "Epiphany gifts"

• the blessing of homes, on whose lintels are inscribed the Cross of salvation, together with the indication of the year and the initials of the three wise men (C+M+B), which can also be interpreted to mean Christus mansionem benedicat, written in blessed chalk; this custom, often accompanied by processions of children accompanied by their parents, expresses the blessing of Christ through the intercession of the three wise men and is an occasion for gathering offerings for charitable and missionary purposes;

• initiatives in solidarity with those who come from afar; whether Christian or not

• assistance to the work of evangelisation
  

• the assignation of Patrons

Image source: Durer, The Adoration of the Magi