Saint John the Baptist

Saint John the Baptist Quick Facts - US

AKA NameThe Nativity of St. John the Baptist, The Nativity of the Venerable and Glorious Prophet and Forerunner John the Baptist
HashtagsCompiled on#JohntheBaptist, #StJohntheBaptist
Related Hashtags#Catholic
2023 DateJune 24, 2023
2024 DateJune 24, 2024

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Saint John the Baptist

St John the Baptist History

The Observance of Saint John the Baptist is a Christian feast day honoring the biblical figure, who is considered the forerunner of Jesus Christ. Saint John is known for his ascetic lifestyle and pivotal role in baptizing Jesus, as well as his teachings emphasizing repentance, humility, and the coming of the Messiah. The observance holds significant cultural, religious, and historical importance for many Christians, and it serves as a time to reflect on Saint John's life, values, and contributions.

Saint John the Baptist holds a unique position in Christianity, as he is venerated by both Catholic and Orthodox churches, as well as other Christian denominations. His influence extends to America, where John's life and teachings are relevant to numerous aspects of Christian belief and practice. Through his call for personal transformation and spiritual renewal, Saint John's message resonates with those seeking guidance and inspiration in their faith journey. His unwavering dedication to serving God and others has inspired many American Christians to set an example through acts of charity and advocacy for social justice.

In America, the Observance of Saint John the Baptist is celebrated by various Christian denominations in a range of ways, including liturgical services, Bible study sessions, prayer gatherings, and community outreach efforts. These events aim to promote dialogue, reflection, and action inspired by Saint John's teachings. Saint John the Baptist Day is observed on June 24th. This timing allows communities to come together in a collective and meaningful manner to honor the life and legacy of this influential biblical figure.

Saint John the Baptist facts

  • In the first chapter of Luke, the father of St. John, Zachary, is approached by an angel who tells him that he and Elizabeth, even though they were old, would have a child. Zachary didn't believe the angel right away, and was unable to speak until after John was born.
  • When Mary, the mother of Jesus, went to Elizabeth to congratulate her on her pregnancy, John leaped with joy in her womb. (Luke 1:44). Mary was pregnant with Jesus at the time.
  • Some of John's followers, including Philip, became followers of Jesus.
  • John was beheaded by Salome, the daughter of King Herod's wife, Herodias. The saint had publicly criticized the marriage because Herodias was the wife of Herod's half brother.
  • St. John has two feast days in the Roman Catholic Church. The first, held June 24, acknowledges his birth. The second, August 29, commemorates his death.
    In the Orthodox Church, 'The Nativity of the Venerable and Glorious Prophet and Forerunner John the Baptist' is held on June 24.

Top things to do in the US for St John the Baptist's Day

  • In Mark 1:7, John is described as wearing camel's hair and eating only locusts and honey. Enjoy something with honey to honor John the Baptist.
  • Travel to Basque Country (area in north-central Spain and south-western France) or look for a Basque community in the United States to celebrate the night before the Feast of John the Baptist with a bonfire. The celebration combines the feast day with the Basque summer solstice.
  • John the Baptist was a prophet. He is considered the voice that prepared the world for Jesus Christ. Read the Bible about other prophets in Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Amos.

St John the Baptist references and related sites

Newadvent.org: John the Baptist
Alexander J. Burke: John the Baptist: Prophet and Disciple (St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2006)

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