“The city of Cologne would not be what it is without the Magi, who have had so great an impact on its history, its culture and its faith. Here, in some sense, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Epiphany every day of the year! And so, before addressing you, dear inhabitants of Cologne, before greeting you, I wanted to pause for a few moments of prayer before the reliquary of the three Magi, giving thanks to God for their witness of faith, hope and love.
You should know that in 1164 the relics of the Magi were escorted by the Archbishop of Cologne, Reinald von Dassel, from Milan, across the Alps, all the way to Cologne, where they were received with great jubilation. On their pilgrimage across Europe these relics left visible traces behind them which still live on today, both in place names and in popular devotions.
In honour of the Magi the inhabitants of Cologne produced the most exquisite reliquary of the whole Christian world and raised above it an even greater reliquary: Cologne Cathedral. Along with Jerusalem the “Holy City”, Rome the “Eternal City” and Santiago de Compostela in Spain, Cologne, thanks to the Magi, has become down the centuries one of the most important places of pilgrimage in the Christian West.” – Pope Benedict XVI
This was the shrine on the feast of the Epiphany in 2003. The Three Holy Kings continue to walk through our prayers towards the Christ-Child.
The passage above comes from Pope Benedict XVI’s 2005 address at Cologne Cathedral.
The Shrine of the Three Kings in Cologne
The great golden reliquary stands behind the high altar of Cologne Cathedral. Its presence helped make the cathedral a major destination for Christian pilgrims, and the history recalled by Pope Benedict explains why the city remains closely associated with the Magi.
The photograph on this page shows the shrine decorated for Epiphany. The reliquary and the cathedral surrounding it invite visitors to see pilgrimage as more than travel: the outward journey should lead to worship of Christ.
An Epiphany Reflection
The Magi teach perseverance, humility, and generosity. They left what was familiar, sought the promised King, and offered precious gifts. Their example encourages Christians to keep seeking Christ through prayer, the sacraments, and works of charity.
At Epiphany, consider offering Christ a particular gift of time, attention, or service. A family can also pray for missionaries, travelers, and all who are still searching for God.