January 6

Mary Lou Kownacki and Syncletica of Alexandria

Author

David Barnhart
January 06, 2026

Stained glass window at Lake Junaluska, 2006, own photo.

Today, January 6, is the Feast of the Epiphany. This marks the ending of the Christmas season, which lasts twelve days. On this day, Christians celebrate the arrival of the astrologers who sought out the Christ Child in Bethlehem, according to the story in the Gospel of Matthew.

Today marks the death, in 2023, of Mary Lou Kownacki, Benedictine nun and peace activist. She was arrested multiple times for protesting, mostly for praying. 

Today is a feast day for Syncletica of Alexandria, one of the Desert Mothers who lived in the 4th century. Her writings on asceticism and the monastic life were important in the development of Christian monasticism. 

Reflection: 

Mary Lou Kownacki wrote: 

“Engrave this upon your heart: there isn't anyone you couldn't love once you heard their story.”

Describing her reverence for nature, she wrote: 

“Every day I sit mesmerized, a smile on my face. Maybe my purposeless wild cosmos and canaries get it. We’re here for play, for wonder, for awe and mystery.” 

Syncletica of Alexandria wrote: 

“In the beginning there are a great many battles and a good deal of suffering for those who are advancing towards God and, afterwards, ineffable joy. It is like those who wish to light a fire. At first they are choked with smoke and cry, until they obtain what they seek. As it is written, “Our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:24); so we also must kindle the divine fire in ourselves through tears and hard work.”

Prayer: Holy Spirit, though we do not all practice monasticism, all of us can learn from the monastic life. Give us the discipline that allows for great joy in simple things. Amen.