By Morgan Mizell

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Several youth at St. Mary’s Basilica participated in a dramatization of the Epiphany Wednesday at St. Mary’s Family Life Center.

The youth of the church have done a few other dramas in the past, and wanted to do something around Christmas or the beginning of the year.

The Rev. David O’Connor, who is the pastor of St. Mary’s, said he was thrilled about the idea when he was presented with it last fall.

The youth began practicing for the performance in November.

Carrie Lambert co-directed the children’s performance with Melinda Laird.

“We have new youth coordinators that are trying to do more with the children,” Lambert said. “Some of the kids that participated have been on stage before at Natchez Little Theatre, but others have never done anything like this.”

Lambert said she was encouraged by the turnout during the inclement weather.

“We were a little worried that people would not show up,” Lambert said. “The kids worked very hard, and I was glad that they had so many people show up to see them.”

The skit took the observers back through time to witness the journey of the Magi as they sought the messiah.

O’Connor said the skit was a great way to familiarize the children with the story of the Epiphany.

“The feast of the Epiphany is one of my favorites,” O’Connor said. “I was pleased to see the kids get excited to participate and the dedicated parents who got them to rehearsal.”

Amy Gamberi, Fabienne Bennett and Lisa Trosclair worked to collect the costumes the children used.  Walter Maier, Jay Gamberi and Tommy Norris were responsible for props.

The children who performed included, Olivia Waycaster, Mia Gamberi, Christopher Johnson, Jarrod Lambert, Addison Laird, Graci Gamberi, Madeline Smith, Anabella Laird, Elly Diesen, Parker Claire Maxwell, Ayden Rojo, Sophia Bennett, Cameron Wright, Chase Kaiser, Cullen Mophett, Rhett Trosclair and Lauren Dunbar.