Epiphany Monuments

The word "epiphany" means "manifestation."

On January 6th the Catholic Church celebrates in its Mass the Epiphany, which commemorates a triple manifestation of Christ:
(1) to the Magi - i.e. to the Gentiles;
(2) in His Baptism, when the Voice from Heaven declared, "This is my beloved Son;"
(3) in the miracle of changing water into wine at Cana.

Since the time of the Apostles, Christians in the Holy Land have marked the spots where these events took place. When they were able, the Christians built churches and other monuments at the locations. Even when war and various disasters leveled or ruined the structures, the Christians always built again on exact the same spot.

Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem - Holy Land 

Built on the site of the stable where Christ was born

Cologne Cathedral - Germany

Where the relics of the three wise men are kept

The practice of building monuments in honor of the Faith holds true in Gentile lands too

 

Jordan River - Holy Land

At the spot where John baptized Christ
 The structure on the right is a church,
of necessity made of wood (i.e. easily rebuilt) due to frequent flooding

Cana of Galilee - Holy Land

Church at the site of the wedding where Christ performed His first miracle at the request of His mother

All photos by the author.