And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them,
until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.
They were overjoyed at seeing the star,
and on entering the house
they saw the child with Mary his mother.
They prostrated themselves and did him homage.
Then they opened their treasures
and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
-Matthew 2:9-11
The Poles sure know how to celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ! Unlike the United States, where we celebrate Epiphany on the third Sunday after Christmas, Epiphany is an entirely independent --- and public --- holiday! After Christmas and Easter, Epiphany is the biggest holiday in Poland and marks the beginning of Carnival Season, complete with processions, costumes, lots of singing.
Today I, along with others from the St. Giles International Community, attended mass at the Wawel Cathedral (attached to Wawel Castle), celebrated by Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz (Bishop of Krakow). The church was absolutely packed, and the sun shone through the windows, illuminating the intricate gold and wood carvings on the alter and choir stalls, as well as the immensely detailed tapestries. When Cardinal Stanisław entered in a procession of priests and seminarians, he was sure to pause to bless all the children in the aisles with a smile on his gentle and wise face. All joyfully sang with traditional Christmas carols and listened to the sounds Cathedral Choir swell and fill the lofts above us; it was breathtaking.
As Mass ended and the choir finished their last song, the crowd slowly dispersed into the castle grounds to where the Epiphany Procession began. Volunteers handed out paper crowns and songbooks, children in king and angel costumes wiggled in excitement, and men with speaker systems strapped to their backs dispersed themselves throughout the crowd to broadcast the songs to which we would sing as we made our way to the main square. Flags were waved, the music began, and we were off!
,
until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.
They were overjoyed at seeing the star,
and on entering the house
they saw the child with Mary his mother.
They prostrated themselves and did him homage.
Then they opened their treasures
and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
-Matthew 2:9-11
The Poles sure know how to celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ! Unlike the United States, where we celebrate Epiphany on the third Sunday after Christmas, Epiphany is an entirely independent --- and public --- holiday! After Christmas and Easter, Epiphany is the biggest holiday in Poland and marks the beginning of Carnival Season, complete with processions, costumes, lots of singing.
Today I, along with others from the St. Giles International Community, attended mass at the Wawel Cathedral (attached to Wawel Castle), celebrated by Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz (Bishop of Krakow). The church was absolutely packed, and the sun shone through the windows, illuminating the intricate gold and wood carvings on the alter and choir stalls, as well as the immensely detailed tapestries. When Cardinal Stanisław entered in a procession of priests and seminarians, he was sure to pause to bless all the children in the aisles with a smile on his gentle and wise face. All joyfully sang with traditional Christmas carols and listened to the sounds Cathedral Choir swell and fill the lofts above us; it was breathtaking.
As Mass ended and the choir finished their last song, the crowd slowly dispersed into the castle grounds to where the Epiphany Procession began. Volunteers handed out paper crowns and songbooks, children in king and angel costumes wiggled in excitement, and men with speaker systems strapped to their backs dispersed themselves throughout the crowd to broadcast the songs to which we would sing as we made our way to the main square. Flags were waved, the music began, and we were off!
,
We had to stop for a quick picture in front of St. Giles on the way!
Singing all the way (in perfect Polish thanks to our handy songbooks!) we made it to the main square.
We made friends with some royalty...
...and a few angels!
We sang some more Christmas carols, and witnessed the premier of the hymn of WORLD YOUTH DAY, which will happen in Krakow in 2016! The hymn is called, "Blessed are Merciful", based on the theme of WYD 2016. For more information on World Youth Day 2016, please see its official website: http://www.krakow2016.com/en/
By the last chorus the whole crowd was singing; it was so beautiful and I wish I had it on video...but this is a recording of the song :)
By the last chorus the whole crowd was singing; it was so beautiful and I wish I had it on video...but this is a recording of the song :)
We saw the Three Kings, as well as Mary, Joseph, and Jesus...
...who led is in a final, rock star hymn that had everyone waving their flags, balloons, crowns, or hands high in the air, all singing, "GLORIA, IN EXCELSIS DEO!!"
Peace to you on this joyous Epiphany!
Sonja :)
Sonja :)