Epiphany Proclamation

Today, January 6, is the traditional date of Epiphany - the twelfth day of Christmas. In the United States, we transfer the liturgical celebration of Epiphany to the nearest Sunday, but today still has a special significance. One of the many traditions associated with Epiphany is the proclamation of the date of Easter and all other moveable feasts for the coming year. This tradition is a holdover from the days before computers and calendars, but it is still a nice tradition. The Epiphany Proclamation below as read after communion at all of our parish Masses this past weekend.

2009 Epiphany Proclamation

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, his burial, and his rising celebrated
between the evening of the 9th of April.
and the evening of the 12th of April.
Each Easter— as on each Sunday—
the Holy Church makes present the great and saving deed
by which Christ has for ever conquered sin and death.
From Easter are reckoned all the days we keep holy.
Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, will occur on the 25th of February.
The Ascension of the Lord will be commemorated on the 24th of May.
Pentecost, the joyful conclusion of the season of Easter,
will be celebrated on the 31st of May.
And this year the First Sunday of Advent will be on the 29th 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.
To Jesus Christ, who was, who is, and who is to come,
Lord of time and history,
be endless praise, for ever and ever.
Amen.