Nativity of St. John the Baptist

The Nativity of St. John the Baptist

It is one of the oldest feast days in the Liturgy of the Church.

The only other births the Catholic Church celebrates as a feast are our Blessed Mother's and our Lord Jesus.

Why does the Church celebrate his birth? It is because he was "filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb." (Catechism of the Catholic Church No. 717) " It is also believed that Jesus sanctified him from the womb and removed his original sin.

Before John was born, the angel announced that "many would rejoice in his birth." Thus, his feast day is one of the more joyous feast in the Church calendar. In olden times, it was observed as a great holiday with much more rejoicing and celebrating than we do now. For example on the eve of his feast, many countries would light up mountains and hills with "St. John's Fires" "Scarce had the last rays of the setting sun died away, when all the world over, immense columns of flame arose from every mountain top, and in an instant every town and village and hamlet was lighted up." (Dom. P.L.. Gueranger).

"The Birth of St. John the Baptist"

Domenico Ghirlandio

1486-90

Cappella Tornabuoni, Santa Maria Novella, Florence

Wednesdays are Dedicated to St. Joseph -Prayer for the Spirit of Work

 

Glorious St. Joseph, model of all who pass their life in labor, 

obtain for me the grace tow work in a spirit of penance to atone for my many sins; 

to work conscientiously, putting the call of duty above my own inclinations;

to work with gratitude and joy, considering it an honor to use and develop by my labor the gifts I have received from God; 

to work with order, peace, moderation, and patience, without ever recoiling before weariness or difficulties. 

Help me to work, above all, with purity of intention and with detachment from self, 

having always before my eyes the hour of death and the accounting which I must render of time lost, talents wasted, good omitted, and vain complacency in success, 

which is so fatal to the work of God. 

All for Jesus, 

all for Mary, all after your example, O Patriarch Joseph! 

This shall be my watchword in life and in death. Amen.

New Saint Joseph People's Prayer Book