Course 4, Chapter 30: Christianity visible. — Epiphany

1. What feast does the church celebrate on the sixth of January?

The feast of the Epiphany. Three times, in the space of fifteen days, she calls her children to the stable at Bethlehem, to teach the rich detachment from riches, and charity to the poor; and the poor, resignation in their poverty and sufferings.

(^. What is the Epiphany?

382 CATECHISM OF PERSEVERANCE.

A. It is the day on which our Lord was adored by the magi. A miraculous star having appeared in the east, the magi, enlightened by grace, went to Bethlehem, prostrated themselves before the infant Jesus, and offered him presents of gold, frankincense and myrrh; they were the first fruits of the Gentiles.

2. Who were the magi, and what was their number?

A It is generally believed that the magi were learned men, engaged in the study of astronomy, and that they were kings, and three in number.

3. What virtues does the example of the magi teach us? '

Their example teaches: 1st, fidelity to grace; as soon as they perceived the star, they quit all to follow it; 2d, to avoid evil company; the Magi did not return to Herod, but went back to their own country by another route.

4. Is the Epiphany an ancient feast?

It commenced with the first ages of the church. It has always been one of the most solemn feasts, and a kind of continuation of the feast of Christmas, for which reason we do not fast on the vigil.

5. What must we do to enter into the spirit of this feast?

We must, 1st, thank God for having been called to the faith; 2d, endeavor to conform our conduct to our belief; 3d, pray to God for the preservation of religion amongst ourselves, and for the conversion of infidels.