Friday next is the feast of the epiphany of the Lord (Little Christmas Day).

In Kildysart and Cranny-Coolmeen parishes we will have the following Mass schedule.

• Vigil Mass (Thursday,  5 January) St Mary’s Church, Cranny at  7pm
  St Benedict’s Church, Coolmeen on Friday at 9.45am
  St Michael’s Church, Kildysart on Friday at 8pm

The Feast of the Epiphany (the word means “manifestation”) celebrates the making known of God the Son as a human being in Jesus Christ. The feast commemorates the visit of the Three Kings (the Magi) to the Baby Jesus and the revelation Jesus’ birth beyond the Jewish world. The Kings brought gifts of gold (for a king), frankincense (for worship) and myrrh (for embalming, since Christ was to die for us). In Italy and other countries children receive gifts on this day. Traditionally in Ireland, the day was known as ‘Nollaig na mBan’ as it was the day when women celebrated Christmas