Pope Francis | Diocese of Phoenix/Facebook

On the Epiphany, the Archdiocese of Detroit took the time to remind parishioners of the importance of the day.

“As the Wise Men brought to Jesus the riches of their lives, let us also bring to Him our own lives and hearts – our sorrows, our joys, our worries, and wounds,” the archdiocese said on Facebook.

For the past seven decades, the Epiphany, celebrated Jan. 6, has carried a second celebration, that of Missionary Childhood Day. Pope Francis recognized the dual celebration this year, with a tweet thanking youth for their commitment to Christianity.

“On the Feast of Epiphany, World Missionary Childhood Day is celebrated,” Pope Francis tweeted. “I greet all the boys and girls who everywhere in the world are spreading the joy of being Jesus' friends, and are dedicated through prayer, sacrifice and offerings, to support the missionaries of the Gospel.”

Pope Pius XI established what is now known as Missionary Childhood Day in December 1950. It was first called World Holy Childhood Day and its goal is to raise awareness of the Pontifical Missionary Childhood Society and to inspire children to show God's compassion to those in need around the world.

One of the four Pontifical Mission Societies is the Society of Holy Childhood, which French Bishop Charles de Forbin-Janson created in 1843. Although it is referred to as Mission Together in some locations today, the Society of Holy Childhood remains active in 130 countries. The Istituto Figlie di Maria Ausiliatrice says its motto is “Children evangelize children, children pray for children, children help children all over the world.”

The Society of Holy Childhood empowers its young members by giving them the responsibility of its objective. Its purpose is to develop a missionary spirit and leadership in children by encouraging them to share faith and material resources with the neediest children. It provides an opportunity for young missionaries to educate and connect with all Christian children the world over. In the 180 years that have passed since its founding, missionary kids from every continent have consistently performed the types of work that sets them on the path to Jesus.