Nativity of St. John the Baptist
On June 24, the Church celebrates the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. The day is a solemnity, the highest-ranking liturgical celebration in our Church. Such is the importance of St. John the Baptist that it is only one of three birthdays the Church celebrates, the others being the Nativity of Our Lord and the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
St. John the Baptist is important for many reasons: Born to Zechariah and Elizabeth, who had been barren for many years, his birth was miraculously announced by the Archangel Gabriel; he goes before Jesus preparing the hearts of the people for the coming of the Messiah; and he was killed for speaking the truth. John’s mission is to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord and then step aside.
Jesus says of John, "This is the one about whom Scripture says: 'Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, he will prepare your way before you.' I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John; yet the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he" (Luke 7:27-28).
John was not called to be an apostle. He was simply but importantly given the mission to be the forerunner of Jesus. Once Jesus came, John’s mission was complete.
Along with St. Patrick, St John the Baptist is a secondary patron of the Diocese of Portland, reflecting the influence of Irish and French-Canadian missionaries and immigrants in the establishment of the Church in Maine. St. John the Baptist is the patron saint of French Canada. The diocese's patroness is Mary, under the title of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.
Resources
Bishop Ruggieri Message on the Feast of St. John the Baptist - 2024
Franciscan Media: St. John the Baptist
