1964

The Medical Missionary magazine in 1964 describes the Feast of Epiphany as follows:

“The very meaning of the word ‘‘epiphany’’ is manifestation. In this rich, warm season, God's glory appears in three signs: a star that leads wise men to their King, Christ’s baptism in the Jordan, the wedding feast at Cana. To enter deeply the spirit of this time is to open wide the eyes of our hearts; to see and celebrate the single mystery in these signs. It is to join the magi’s caravan, to listen to the Father’s voice, to know that this is our wedding feast with Christ and rejoice in its wonderful wine. This is a season for seeing. Let us but SEE the star that shines on us, and we shall become it. The world needs our epiphany, for it is witnessing that makes us witnesses. It is seeing that makes us cry, “SEE!”

Opposite you will find a painting of the Adoration of the Magi by Angela Trindade.  According to Sr Mary Catherine Zosso in ‘Fire and Flame’, Angela Trindade, the Indian artist, and her sister, Esther, were given hospitality by the Society for many months in around 1950.  Angela was, in fact, an artist-in-residence. She produced original paintings depicting the Society’s healing ministry and she would discuss her philosophy of art with all who were interested. She and Anna Dengel corresponded for years.

In this painting by Angela Trindade, dated 1947, the sun is setting, but the three wise men cannot wait for the morrow. They come to pay homage to the King of all kings.  The gifts are spread around the Child.  Jesus is seated on the lap of His Mother.  His right hand is raised to bless them far more than the gifts they have brought to Him. They have made greater gifts of their minds and hearts.  The old man is represented on his knees with his head uncrowned to remind us that age surrenders one’s ego more easily than youth. The three stages of life are represented in the three kings and one sees how difficult it is for youth to learn the happy way of complete renunciation of one’s self for the love of God.

We are also posting Angela Trindade’s later painting of Adoration, dated 1948, for you to see, too.

Finally, let us remember how January 6th 1954, the Feast of the Epiphany, was an historic day for Poona, India (now called Pune). The community had its first profession ceremony. Sister Mary Matthew and Sister Mary Laeticia, who had started in Malabar and came over to the Society’s Novitiate in August 1952, made their first vows.  You can find portraits of them opposite. 

We leave you with a festive greeting by Fra Giovanni Giocondo, dated 1513: