2011 Epiphany Proclamation

Dear brothers and sisters,

the glory of the Lord has shone upon us,

and shall ever be manifest among us,

until the day of his return.

Through the rhythms of times and seasons

let us celebrate the mysteries of salvation.

Let us recall the year's culmination,

the Easter Triduum of the Lord:

his last supper, his crucifixion, his burial,

and his rising celebrated

between the evening of the twenty-first day of April

and the evening of the twenty-third day of April,

Easter Sunday being on the twenty-fourth day of April.

Each Easter -- as on each Sunday --

the Holy Church makes present the great and saving deed

by which Christ has for ever conquered sin and death.

From Easter are reckoned all the days we keep holy.

Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent,

will occur on the ninth day of March.

The Ascension of the Lord will be commemorated

on the second day of June.

Pentecost, joyful conclusion of the season of Easter,

will be celebrated on the twelfth day of June.

And, this year the First Sunday of Advent will be

on the twenty-seventh day of November.

Likewise the pilgrim Church proclaims the passover of Christ

in the feasts of the holy Mother of God,

in the feasts of the Apostles and Saints,

and in the commemoration of the faithful departed.

To Jesus Christ, who was, who is, and who is to come,

Lord of time and history,

be endless praise, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Before calendars were readily available, it was the custom to proclaim the date of Easter and other celebrations that flow from it to all the faithful on Epiphany.

The Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy (118) says this "solemn proclamation of Easter and the principal dominical feasts" is "ancient in origin and rich in spiritual content." "Its revival in many places would be opportune since it serve[s] to make the connection between Epiphany and Easter, and orientate[s] all feasts toward the greatest Christian solemnity." Whether you hear this proclamation at your parish on Epiphany or not, you can read it here, update your calendars, and take a few moments to meditate on the wonder of the fullness of God's plan!