Pope Francis | Diocese of Phoenix/Facebook

The Diocese of Allentown recently ushered in the Feast of the Epiphany with Facebook postings.

“The Feast of the Epiphany was celebrated in our parishes and schools this weekend as we continued the celebration of the Christmas season with the Gospel of the three magi that come to adore Christ, the newborn King,” the diocese posted on Facebook.

It was a sentiment Bishop Alfred Schlert echoed in his message that ended with, “May our humility give You honor and worship.”

For more than 70 years, Jan. 6 has taken on a second significance besides the Epiphany. It is also Missionary Childhood Day. Pope Francis tweeted about the importance of that aspect of the day.

“On the Feast of Epiphany, World Missionary Childhood Day is celebrated,” Pope Francis tweeted. “I greet all the boys and girls who everywhere in the world are spreading the joy of being Jesus' friends, and are dedicated through prayer, sacrifice and offerings, to support the missionaries of the Gospel.”

Missionary Childhood Day was established by Pope Pius XI in December 1950. It was first called World Holy Childhood Day, and it served a dual purpose: to raise awareness of the Pontifical Missionary Childhood Society and to inspire children to show God's compassion to those in need around the world.

French Bishop Charles de Forbin-Janson created the Society of Holy Childhood, one of the four Pontifical Mission Societies, in 1843. Some parts of the world refer to it as Mission Together. Regardless of its name, the Society of Holy Childhood continues to serve in 130 countries. Its motto, according to Istituto Figlie di Maria Ausiliatrice, is: “Children evangelize children, children pray for children, children help children all over the world.”

The Society of Holy Childhood gives its members the task of accomplishing its objective, thus empowering its young members. The Missionary Childhood Society’s goal is to develop a missionary spirit and leadership by encouraging children to share their faith and material things with needier children around the world. It is an opportunity for young missionaries and leaders to connect with children around the globe. Over the past 180 years, missionary youngsters from every continent have continued the work and dedication that sets them on the path to Jesus.