Catholics/The Three Wise Men

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Expert: Fr. Timothy Johnson - 1/9/2008


Question
Good Morning
I am a 70 year "young" catechumen.  During my lessons last week I wanted to know the names of the Wise Men.  I have since found out the names but I am having trouble finding where it is listed in the Bible.  I have been told that they are not in the Bible and, if that is the case I would like to know how we do know the names.  I was under the impression that all that is to do with the birth of Jesus would be in the Bible.  If they are indeed not in the Bible could you inform me where "it is written" and how we know them.
Thanks a bunch
Ethel

Answer
Hi, Ethel:
Good question for further research.
The names have come down to us from Sacred Tradtion, but exactly who bears this witness of the listing of the names is not known to me.  I just looked up the "Epiphany" in the work "The Church's Year of Grace" by Pius Parsch, but he made no ocmmentary on this particular.  Sorry that I cannot tell you anything more right off the top of my head.
Did you know that the Cathedral at Cologne, Germany claims to house the relics of the Three Kings?
If you have the computer skills, you might try to research some key words with a google search or some such search engine.  As this question is not about basic Church doctrine or liturgical practice, it kind of falls somewhat outside of my habitual knowledge.
Nevertheless, Merry Christmas to you, and a happy New Year 2008!  May the year be filled with great study and learning in your faith journey.

Fr. Timothy Johnson

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Fr. Timothy Johnson

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A Traditional Catholic Priest, validly and licitly ordained, incardinated legally and canonically in the Diocese of Fargo, and in good-standing with my Local Ordinary (Bishop) on active assignment at a rural Tri-Parish. I can provide honest and balanced answers to questions on topics pertaining to Traditional Roman Catholicism of the Latin Church (Councils of Trent and Vatican II)and a lot about the Eastern Catholic Churches, including the Sacred Liturgy, Sacred Scripture, Church History, the use of the Latin language, the tradition of Sacred Music, and current events in the Catholic Church from a traditional, historical and balanced perspective.

Experience

I have been ordained a Roman Catholic Priest since June 2001.

Organizations
Knights of Columbus; Church Music Association of America (CMAA)

Education/Credentials
Ordained Priest, 02 JUN 2001; Ordained Deacon, 27 JAN 2001; MA - Dogmatic/Systematic Theology; MDiv - Professional Degree from Seminary; 2-Years formation with Canons Regular of Premontre including studies and experience in Sacred Liturgy, Chant, Latin, Sacraments, Spirituality. BA - Scholastic/Thomistic Philosophy; BA - Liberal Arts; AA - General Studies.

Past/Present Clients
I serve 3-small, rural Parish Communities in Easter North Dakota
I converted to the Roman Catholic Church in 1981, at the age of 15. Over the years I have done work as an organist, cantor, and choir director for the Latin Rite (English & Latin) Mass (Liturgy of the Eucharist), and even for the Hours of the Divine Office. I have worked as a cantor for a Melkite Byzantine Catholic Church. Presently my pastoral and administrative duties as a Catholic Priest do not allow me as much time as I used to have to devote to Sacred Music; but for my weekend Masses and Solemnities within my Tri-Parish, I offer High Sung Mass in English. Weekday Mass is typically Low Mass (recited Mass) in English, though on occasion I will offer the "Tridentine Mass" in Latin, which I usually offer on my "Day Off", as well. And now, in light of the "Motu Proprio" by his Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI placing the extraordinary usage of the Roman Rite back into the mainstream of the Catholic Church, I have been offering a regularly scheduled SUN, 2:00 PM Tridentine Latin Mass with a community of the faithful that has a stable existence.

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