The Magi

Intermountain Catholic

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The Magi, or wise men from the east, as created by Michael Dente, sculptor and art teacher at Juan Diego Catholic High School, are presented to the school Dec. 12 during its annual Spiritus Donorum Dinner. The dinner honors the spirit of giving of the school’s supporters. Referred to sometimes as kings, the Magi were portrayed as Kings Melchior, Kaspar, and Balthazar in Gian Carlo Menotti’s children’s opera, "Amahl and the Night Visitors." Dente’s interpretation includes symbols of age, wisdom, and generosity. Of the four Gospel writers, only Matthew refers to the Magi, presumably having received his information from the Blessed Mother. Scripture tells us the Magi first visited Jerusalem looking for the newborn king of the Jews. King Herod tried to enlist them to find the child Jesus so he could kill him. "Having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way." (Mt. 2:12) For more on the Spiritus Donorum Dinner see page 5. IC photo by Barbara S. Lee