Nativity of St. John the Baptist
Feast Day: June 24
The Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist celebrates his birth. St. John the Baptist was the cousin of Jesus and came to prepare the world for the coming of the Messiah.
The Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist is celebrated on June 24.
When the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart falls on June 24, the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist is celebrated on June 23 instead.
Patron Saint of …
He is the patron saint of converts, epileptics, nurses, monastic life, tailors, booksellers, printers, heart patients, and firefighters. He is also the patron saint of many locations, including Jordan, Puerto Rico, French Canada, Newfoundland, Florence, and Genoa.
Daily Mass Readings for the Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
Vigil Mass
- First Reading – Jeremiah 1:4-10: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.”
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 71: “Since my mother’s womb, you have been my strength.”
- Second Reading – 1 Peter 1:8-12: “It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you with regard to the things that have now been announced to you by those who preached the Good News to you through the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels longed to look.”
- Gospel – Luke 1:5-17: “He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn their hearts toward their children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.”
Mass During the Day
- First Reading – Isaiah 49:1-6: “The LORD called me from birth, from my mother’s womb he gave me my name.”
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 139: “I praise you, for I am wonderfully made.”
- Second Reading – Acts 13:22-26: “John heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.”
- Gospel – Luke 1:57-66, 80: “When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her.”
Sponsored
Cry Out Lesson Plan
This Cry Out lesson plan will help youth understand who this prophet was and the role he played in making the way for Jesus.
Litany
In this litany, we ask this saint by his many titles and roles to pray for us so we can be more like him.
What Are You Waiting For? Reflection and Discussion Questions
This discussion and set of reflection questions helps youth consider his message that “One mightier than I is coming after me.” Some things are worth waiting for.
Homilies and Reflections
A Tale of Two Births
The first two chapters of Luke’s Gospel alternate between stories of two births. One is the annunciation and birth of John the Baptist, who was, for Luke, the last great prophet of the Old Testament and who prepared the way for someone greater than any prophet—Jesus the Messiah. Continue reading.
Radical Conformity: The Wild Faith of John the Baptist
You can almost hear polite society whisper to him, “There are customs, John. There are ways of doing things. Surely, your life can be a bit easier if you simply go along a bit. Clean yourself up. Wait your turn. Soften your message. We’ll introduce you to the right people. And in time, John—in time—you’ll earn credibility and people will begin to listen to you and even admire you. Now, wouldn’t that be nice, John? Wouldn’t that be easier?” Continue reading.
John the Baptist: Patron Saint of Untold Blessings
John the Baptist as the ideal patron saint of the untold blessings that flow from a life of holiness. Because of his words and witness, John is ideally placed to direct us on these three pathways—to keep us centered on Christ, to remind us that we are sinners, and to help us realize that our lives are not about us but about God’s purposes for us. Continue reading.
Quotes and Social Media Graphics
He must increase; I must decrease.
John 3:30
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