Mystical Visions in Germany
Well Nigh Kings
“ When again on their way , I heard them softly and sweetly singing together short strophes ...”
Mystical Visions in Germany
In her visions , the early 19th century German mystic , Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich gives their names as Theokeno , Mensor and Seir . She explains that each of the Kings had in his train as companions four nobles of his own race which would help explain the Eastern tradition of twelve Kings . She also gives the origins of their names : “ The names Caspar , Melchior , and Balthasar were given to the kings , because they so well suited them , for Caspar means ‘ He is won by love ; Melchior , ‘ He is so coaxing , so insinuating , he uses so much address , he approaches one so gently ’; Balthasar , ‘ With his whole will , he accomplishes the will of God .’ Sister Emmerich also stated that the Magi sang on their journey : “ When again on their way , I heard them softly and sweetly singing together short strophes , such as : Over the mountains we shall go . And before the new King kneel !” Furthermore she testified that they were descended from the Old Testament Patriarch Job .
Well Nigh Kings
A century after this earliest depiction known of the Magi was carved into the side of a Roman Christian sarcophagus , Pope St .
knew that the Star they followed heralded the birth of a divine King . None of the Church Fathers say that they were kings , though Tertullian describes them as ‘ well nigh ’ kings .
12 Regina Magazine / The Magi