Saint Who?
Saints Who Are Patrons of Peoples and Places
Saint John the Baptist
Prophet († c. 30) Feast: June 24
And you, child, will be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways (Lk 1:76). The great canticles of the Church’s prayer—the Magnificat and the Benedictus—would not have been sung were it not for John the Baptist. A member of the priestly tribe, John lived a life of prayer from his earliest moments. His birth was announced by an angel. In utero, he joyfully recognized the presence of his Lord. As a man, John sought the presence of the Lord, living a life of prayer and penance in the desert.
His mission was to prepare the way for the Lord by calling God’s people to repentance. He fasted. He prayed. He baptized in the Jordan. And he taught his disciples to do the same. He also preached, courageously calling political and religious leaders to conversion. Refusing to condone Herod’s disregard for Israel’s marriage laws, he died a martyr for the truth.
John is the only saint (excepting Mary and, of course, Jesus) whose birthday is celebrated liturgically. Since John was six months older than Jesus, the feast was set on June 24. He is the patron of Jordan, Puerto Rico, French Canada, and Florence.
Almighty Father, through the prayers of
Saint John the Baptist, grant that all countries may accept the truth about marriage and family.
