Young adults take on role of Magi during Epiphany Mass

Young adults at Vineland’s Divine Mercy Parish were hopeful their portrayal of the Wise Men helped provide spiritual nourishment for those of all ages during Mass Jan. 2, the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord.

The Epiphany, which recalls the Magi following the Star of Bethlehem to see the newborn Jesus, is celebrated on the Sunday closest to Jan. 6. The Three Kings come bearing gifts, and they are transformed by the journey and experience.

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Dressed as the Wise Men leaving gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh for the savior, members of the parish Catholic Millennial Ministry gave out goodie bags to children filled with toys, candy, chips and fruit snacks. The gifts were made possibly by the parish’s Knights of Columbus Council 2531.

“We blessed [the children], thanked them for coming to Mass, and made them feel welcomed, loved and cared for,” said José Rodriguez, a parishioner and diocesan director of the Office of Family and Youth Ministries, who portrayed one of the Magi along with Joshua Benton and Brandon Sanchez.

He said it was his hope that seeing the Catholic Millennial Ministry would demonstrate to older congregants that the young Church plays an active role in the life of a parish. “Young people are part of the parish, and we take initiative,” he said.

Rodriguez believes Jesus’ wise visitors are models of “humble perseverance” for all faithful today.

“They followed the guiding light, even though there was no material gain for them,” he explained, adding that “when they encountered Jesus, they humbly offered themselves and their gifts.  Who are those guiding lights in our own lives, that lead us to better things, and what can we offer them when we meet them?”

Benton said the day was an opportunity not only to provide material treats, but serve as a transformative experience as well. “Hopefully, our visit will stick with them [children and adults] … in learning the [Epiphany] story and what it means.”