The Epiphany, the Feast of the Three Kings, The Magi, whatever we call the event that was celebrated last Sunday, is the culmination of the 12 days of Christmas.

In our culture, Christmas decorations often go up in November or earlier in the department stores. According to ancient Christian tradition, the celebration of the holidays begins on Christmas Eve and continues to the feast of the Epiphany.

When we contemplate the three kings following a star to arrive at the place of the Christ child, it reminds us that we are on a journey. In some places, especially Puerto Rico, the Epiphany is equal to or greater than the celebration of Christmas itself. It is the time, remembering the gifts that were given to Jesus by the Magi, that gifts are given to each other.

Here in Hawai'i there is a special journey that is commemorated at this time of the year by the Puerto Rican community. At the dawn of the 20th century, just a bit more than 100 years ago, there was a devastating hurricane that destroyed much of the island of Puerto Rico and left the agricultural sector devastated. There was massive unemployment and a sense of despair in that Caribbean paradise. Here in Hawai'i the plantation economy was booming and there was a need for agricultural labor. Contractors went to Puerto Rico, recently annexed by the United States, and lured thousands of unemployed Puerto Ricans to these Islands. Most of these folks had never been more than a few miles from their homes and now they were on a journey that would take them to the other side of the world. They traveled by ship to New Orleans and then by train across the continent to San Francisco.

Many were frightened. Everything was new to them, and they seemed so far from home and loved ones and realized they would never see their land or families again. Guards were placed on them as they went from the train to another ship to keep them from escaping. After a long and rough sea journey they arrived, many thousands in many ships, here in Hawai'i. Like so many immigrants before them, from Asia, other parts of Polynesia and other parts of the world, they began life anew.

They cherished their memories, their native customs and their faith. It was a time of painful transition and new beginnings.

Like so many immigrants before and since, the Puerto Ricans contributed to the emergence of a new local culture and to the economic growth of the Islands.

All of us are on a journey of faith, sometimes exciting and sometimes challenging. Like the Magi and other travelers throughout the ages, let's keep our eyes on the star, have faith in our hearts, and face the challenges that confront us.

The Rev. Jack Ryan is a Catholic priest and pastor of St. John the Baptist in Kalihi.

Expressions of Faith is a column that welcomes submissions from pastors, priests, lay workers and other leaders in faith and spirituality. E-mail faith@honoluluadvertiser.com or call 525-8035. Articles submitted to The Advertiser may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms.