On Jan. 3, Hispanic Catholics celebrated the feast of the Epiphany at Saint Nicholas Church (Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish) in Egg Harbor City, with children leading the re-enactment of the visitation of the Magi to Jesus in Bethlehem, 12 days after his birth.
Some 20 children dressed up as the wise men with their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh; Jesus, Mary and Joseph; shepherds, and their sheep, for the skit that included music and narration.
The day helped children understand the true reason for the season.
“It’s not just about toys and Santa Claus,” but the birth of Jesus, said Kathy Garcia, coordinator of the Hispanic Religious Education program at Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
After the play, visitors dined on traditional Hispanic food, and children were given small gifts.
Written by Peter G. Sánchez