Portal:Catholic Church/Patron Archive/January 6

Center piece from former high altar of St. Martin's Church, "Adoration of the Three Kings". Art work by "Master of Messkirch" between 1535 and 1538.

In Christianity, the Biblical Magi (/ˈmeɪdʒaɪ/ MAY-jy or /ˈmædʒaɪ/ MAJ-eye; singular: magus), also known as the Three Wise Men, Three Kings, and Three Magi, are distinguished foreigners who visit Jesus after his birth, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh in homage to him. They are commemorated on the feast day of Epiphany—sometimes called "Three Kings Day"—and commonly appear in the nativity celebrations of Christmas.

The Magi appear solely in the Gospel of Matthew, which states that they came "from the east" (Greek ἀπὸ ἀνατολῶν - apo anatolōn) to worship the "one who has been born king of the Jews". Their names, origins, appearances, and exact number are unmentioned and derive from the inferences or traditions of later Christians. In Western Christianity, they are usually assumed to have been three in number, corresponding with each gift; in Eastern Christianity, especially the Syriac churches, they often number twelve. Likewise, the Magi's social status is never stated: Although some biblical translations describe them as astrologers, they were increasingly identified as kings by at least the third century, which conformed with Christian interpretations of Old Testament prophecies that the messiah would be worshipped by kings. The mystery of the Magi's identities and background, combined with their theological significance, has made them prominent figures in the Christian tradition; they are venerated as saints or even martyrs in many Christian communities, and are the subject of numerous artworks, legends, and customs. Both secular and Christian observers have noted that the Magi popularly serve as a means of expressing various ideas, symbols, and themes. Most scholars regard the Magi as legendary rather than historical figures. (Full article...)
Attributes: With rich oriental clothes, with presents in front of the crib, one of them with dark skin color
Patronage: Town of Cologne, travelers, pilgrims, furriers, producers of playing cards, against storm and epilepsy
See also: Rafaela Porras Ayllón; Juan de Ribera, Spain; Charles of Sezze; André Bessette, Canada