The Warren County Catholic Community, represented by the Holy Redeemer and Saint Joseph Parishes, came together for an Epiphany celebration on Sunday, January 5th. The Kings & Camels event highlighted the story of the three wise men’s journey to visit the Christ child in Bethlehem, offering a way for parishioners and faith formation students to mark the Epiphany.

Three parishioners, Voltaire Bazurto, Mark Hovan and Jason Stanley, embodied the roles of the Magi, dressing as Casper, Melchior, and Balthazar. They participated in Mass at both parishes, accompanied by live camels stationed outside each church, which drew excitement and interest from attendees and passersby alike.

A standout moment of the day was a city-approved procession through Warren, symbolizing the Magi’s historic journey from the east to the west. Organized with the support of Warren police officers, the procession provided a unique opportunity to share the spirit of the Epiphany with the broader community.

“This was a chance to remind everyone that Christmas doesn’t end on December 25th,” shared organizer Jennifer Wortman. “The Epiphany celebrates the manifestation of God into humanity, and through this event, people were talking about Christ, the how, the why, and the where, which is exactly the message we wanted to spread.”

The morning was filled with fun, fellowship, and learning as attendees not only delved into the spiritual significance of the Epiphany but also learned about the fascinating characteristics of Bactrian camels.

The camels, provided by the Wallen Legacy in Apollo, Pa., are uniquely suited for cold weather. They grow thick winter coats to protect them in temperatures as low as -20°F.

Native to Central Asia, their two humps store energy, and their broad feet help them navigate snowy terrain. These fascinating traits provided a valuable lesson in resilience and the wonders of creation for young attendees.

Despite challenging weather conditions leading up to the event, the camels and their handlers were determined to make the journey, ensuring the celebration’s success.

“The Wallen Legacy team was amazing to work with,” organizers noted. “Their dedication and the camels’ presence added a special touch that brought joy to everyone, especially the young people.”

Father Mark O’Hern of Holy Redeemer and Father Rick Tomasone of Saint Joseph supported the event and played key roles in its success.