The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord
Internationally, the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord occurs on the 6th of January. In Australia, the feast is celebrated on the first Sunday after New Years Day. The feast celebrates the visitation of the Magi to the infant Jesus.
Internationally, the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord occurs on the 6th of January. In Australia, the feast is celebrated on the first Sunday after New Years Day. The feast celebrates the visitation of the Magi to the infant Jesus.
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'The sight of the star filled them with delight, and going into the house they saw the child with his mother Mary, and falling to their knees they did him homage. (Matthew 2: 10 - 11)
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Overview of The Epiphany Pilgrimage
The Epiphany Pilgrimage is a not-for-profit event held in the Parramatta Diocese and an outreach of the Blue Mountains Catholic community. The pilgrimage runs over 7 days (2 - 8 January), coinciding with the Feast of the Epiphany and the journey of the Magi. Those completing the full pilgrimage journey over 110 km from Our Lady of the Way Parish, Emu Plains to Sacred Heart Parish, Blackheath through the beautiful Blue Mountains. Pilgrims enjoy the hospitality of the 6 mountains' parishes and join with parishioners in daily Mass, Adoration, prayer, catechesis and fellowship. The pilgrimage is followed by a thanksgiving Mass and celebratory morning tea at the Chapel of the Magi, Bell on 9th January each year.
The aims of the pilgrimage are threefold.
The Epiphany Pilgrimage is a not-for-profit event held in the Parramatta Diocese and an outreach of the Blue Mountains Catholic community. The pilgrimage runs over 7 days (2 - 8 January), coinciding with the Feast of the Epiphany and the journey of the Magi. Those completing the full pilgrimage journey over 110 km from Our Lady of the Way Parish, Emu Plains to Sacred Heart Parish, Blackheath through the beautiful Blue Mountains. Pilgrims enjoy the hospitality of the 6 mountains' parishes and join with parishioners in daily Mass, Adoration, prayer, catechesis and fellowship. The pilgrimage is followed by a thanksgiving Mass and celebratory morning tea at the Chapel of the Magi, Bell on 9th January each year.
The aims of the pilgrimage are threefold.
- To facilitate deepened engagement with the Christmas season
- To immerse participants in the beauty of God's creation and the simplicity of a walking pilgrimage
- To provide opportunities for daily prayer, catechesis and fellowship
The Way of the Magi
Whilst the Epiphany Pilgrimage occurs only once a year (to coincide with the Feast of the Epiphany), it is possible to follow the same pilgrimage route at any time - this route has been named The Way of the Magi.
In order to complete The Way of the Magi, pilgrims must begin their journey at Our Lady of the Way Parish in Emu Plains and complete their journey at the Chapel of the Magi at Bell. Whilst pilgrims are encouraged to complete the Way of the Magi by foot and following the bush trails, it is also possible to complete the journey using alternative walking routes as well as by bike, car and even train! The essential requirement of the route is not the mode of transport, but rather, the visitation of each of the six Blue Mountains parishes and the Chapel of the Magi site at Bell.
Whilst the Epiphany Pilgrimage occurs only once a year (to coincide with the Feast of the Epiphany), it is possible to follow the same pilgrimage route at any time - this route has been named The Way of the Magi.
In order to complete The Way of the Magi, pilgrims must begin their journey at Our Lady of the Way Parish in Emu Plains and complete their journey at the Chapel of the Magi at Bell. Whilst pilgrims are encouraged to complete the Way of the Magi by foot and following the bush trails, it is also possible to complete the journey using alternative walking routes as well as by bike, car and even train! The essential requirement of the route is not the mode of transport, but rather, the visitation of each of the six Blue Mountains parishes and the Chapel of the Magi site at Bell.
