Epiphany: a time for gifts and thanking donors

Today, on the 6th January 2025, we are marking a Society-wide day to thank our donors and benefactors.  In many parts of our Society, this day will be celebrated as Epiphany. 

Society Coordinator, Agnes Lanfermann, reminds us how Epiphany commemorates the story of the three kings or the wise men, sometimes also called the magi.  This feast reminds us of Jesus who was revealed to all people of all nations, cultures and ages.  The kings came from afar to Bethlehem to adore the long-awaited Messiah. The message is that all are welcome into this enterprise of redemption - without any exception. 

She explains that the story also tells us about the kindness and generosity of the three kings. They brought precious gifts, thoughtfully chosen, to the new-born babe in Bethlehem:

Gold as a symbol of divine love keeps its enduring value and highlights the importance of valuing the contribution of others. Gold encourages us to be generous with what we have, whether it is time, money or talents;

Frankincense is used for sacred oils and perfumes and in worship of God.  It invites us to honour the divine spark in everyone and the sacred in each one’s life, treating them with respect and reverence; and 

Myrrh reminds us that kindness and generous giving often involve sacrifices. Sometimes this means stepping out of our comfort zone and prioritising others’ needs before our own.

The told and untold stories of our donors and benefactors over long years are closely connected to the story of the three kings. 

Their - indeed, your - generous acts of kindness are like the gifts of the three kings: gold, frankincense and myrrh. The story of the three kings and their precious gifts inspires us, in turn, to give heartfelt thanks to you and all of our donors for your gifts - symbols of love, respect and devotion over 100 years.

If you would like to read more about Epiphany on the creativity timeline section of our website, the link to it is here:  1964 | Medical Mission Sisters

Thank you for all that you do to support our missions worldwide.