Most people correctly associate the Solemnity of the Epiphany with the three magi — or kings — who came from the east. In our Order, and many other monastic communities as well, however, we have one more person who figures prominently at the Epiphany: the queen. A predominantly European custom, in our Brooklyn Monastery we adapted it slightly. Each Sister picks a pink bag with a bean in it. If the bean is white, she is safe! But if it is black, She is the Queen for the Year!
The queen has a few special privileges and responsibilities and she is usually inundated with requests from her the rest of the Sisters. A special day is chosen as a recreation day to celebrate with skits, poems and other delights!
This year, our Epiphany Queen for 2014 is our Temporary Professed Sister, pictured below.
