Glassboro parish celebrates Epiphany with reflection, tradition

GLASSBORO—Saint Bridget University Parish celebrated the Epiphany of the Lord, also known as Three Kings Day, with a bilingual Mass on Jan. 5 that not only drew families from across the multicultural community, but included youth in a special way.

Three parishioners dressed as the Magi – representing the three wisemen who brought gifts to the infant Jesus – processed to the sanctuary as the 11 a.m. Mass began with the hymn “Gloria in Excelsis Deo.” Families brought figures of the Christ Child to the lay near the parish’s Nativity scene.

During his homily, Father John Rossi, pastor, reflected on the meaning of Christmas, posing the question: “Does Christmas inspire us anymore?” He urged those in attendance to avoid letting the familiarity of the season obscure its deeper significance. “We have to be careful that familiarity does not breed contempt,” he said, encouraging gratitude and a renewed focus on God’s presence in one’s life.

Father Rossi drew parallels between the indifference of the religious leaders at the time of the Magi and the distractions of modern life. “The chief priests and scribes knew the prophecy but made no effort to see the Messiah, even though Bethlehem was only five miles away,” he noted. He contrasted their apathy with the dedication of the Magi, who traveled great distances to honor Christ. “Let’s follow the wise men and seek God this Christmas,” he said.

Mitchell Cabrolier, an audio editor visiting from Chile, expressed his appreciation for the bilingual service. “It was beautiful,” he said. For Cabrolier, the message of seeking God and maintaining spiritual connection resonated deeply. “The sermon seemed perfect for the time.”

Teresa DeLaurentis, a Glassboro native, shared how the Christmas season inspires her to show kindheartedness. “Jesus was a man of compassion,” she said. “I feel inspired to show compassion to families going through hard times.” Instead of focusing on commercial traditions, she treasures making ravioli with her father each year, she added.

After the Mass, parishioners gathered for a reception featuring food, coffee and gifts for children. Traditional Rosca de Reyes, a sweet bread with a hidden figurine of the Newborn King, was shared among the attendees. Many hoped to find the figure, symbolizing a blessing for the year ahead.

Gift-giving, central to the celebration, is rooted in the Magi’s offering of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the Christ Child. At Saint Bridget, the tradition came to life as gifts were given to the children, a practice symbolizing God’s ultimate gift of His son and the spirit of generosity. The children’s eyes lit up with joy as they received stuffed bears, Lego sets and other toys.

A majority of the donated gifts were delivered weeks before by the Saint Vincent de Paul Conference of Saint Simon Stock Parish, Berlin. A few days before Christmas, parishioners, Knights of Columbus and Rowan Catholic Campus Ministry members were on hand to help unpack the hundreds of toys.

For Father Rossi, the season’s most important tradition is giving one’s heart to Jesus. “Prayer, communion and reading the Word of God are tangible ways to connect with Christ,” he said. “Christmas, as it happened 2,000 years ago, is still as real and present to us today.”