St. Stephen Cathedral in Owensboro will be celebrating the Epiphany tonight, Sunday, Jan. 6 in an interesting way. Traditionally, the feast of the Epiphany is to commemorate the arrival of the Magi who followed the star to honor the newborn baby Jesus with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
“For Catholics, the Epiphany is the end of the season of Christmas,” said Lupe Ellis, who will be coordinating the 6th annual Epiphany Vespers and International Potluck.
Ellis said it was Fr. Jerry Riney’s idea to make the potluck a multicultural event by inviting attendees to bring a favorite dish from their family’s ancestry to share.
Vespers, or evening prayer, will begin at 4:30 p.m. in the church with the meal immediately following in the community center. As part of the prayer experience, the lights will be dimmed as three young men come out in costumes dressed as the three wise men carrying candles and following the light.
Ellis says in years past the potluck has included recipes from African, Italian, German and Hispanic cultures. Most people will make a table card explaining the prepared dish and where it originated. The parish will provide drinks.
Church members primarily prepare the food, but everyone is invited to participate.
“The camaraderie is the best part,” Ellis said. “It’s an opportunity to spend time together and chit-chat, try new things, as well as to celebrate. And we would love to share this event with anyone who would like to come.”
St. Stephen is located at 610 Locust Street. Parking is available in the back parking lot.
