View source for Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

{{Feasts
|FeastName=Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
|FeastStage=Solemnity
|FeastDate=June 24
|FeastType=Fixed
|LiturgicalSeason=Ordinary Time
|PrimaryShrine=Church of Saint John the Baptist, Ein Karem
|PrimaryShrineCoordinates=31.76806, 35.16306
|NotableAddress1=Church of Saint John the Baptist, Ein Karem, Jerusalem, Israel
|NotableLabel1=Traditional birthplace of John the Baptist
|NotableCoordinates1=31.76806, 35.16306
|NotableAddress2=Church of the Visitation, Ein Karem, Jerusalem, Israel
|NotableLabel2=Home of Zechariah and Elizabeth
|NotableCoordinates2=31.7806, 35.1381
|NotableAddress3=Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano, 4, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
|NotableLabel3=Cathedral dedicated to Saint John the Baptist
|NotableCoordinates3=41.9029, 12.5044
|NotableAddress4=Basilica of Saint John the Baptist, 2087 Sanford St, St. Johns, NL A1B 3V1, Canada
|NotableLabel4=Basilica honoring the saint's nativity
|NotableCoordinates4=47.5615, -52.7126
|AssociatedCountries=Universal
|AssociatedDioceses=[[Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem]]
|ReviewLevel=3
}}
The '''Nativity of Saint John the Baptist''' is a [[solemnity]] in the [[Roman Rite]] of the [[Catholic Church]] that commemorates the birth of [[John the Baptist]], the forerunner of [[Jesus Christ]], to the elderly Zechariah and Elizabeth, as described in [[Luke 1:57–80]]. Observed on June 24, six months before the [[Nativity of the Lord]], it is one of only three nativities celebrated in the [[liturgical year]]—alongside those of Jesus and Mary—highlighting John's prophetic role in preparing the way for the Messiah. According to the [[General Roman Calendar]], this feast occurs in [[Ordinary Time]] but carries the weight of a solemnity, inviting the faithful to contemplate divine providence and the joy of unexpected fulfillment amid the broader cycle of salvation history.

The event, marked by Zechariah's inspired hymn (the ''Benedictus'', Luke 1:67–79), underscores themes of divine election and the dawn of redemption, with John filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother's womb. Though not a [[Holy Day of Obligation]] in most [[diocese]]s, it holds profound ecclesial significance, fostering a sense of "summer Christmas" through its joyful proclamation of God's mercy. Liturgical tradition holds this solemnity as a bridge to Advent, emphasizing repentance and preparation, distinct from John's beheading on August 29.

In contemporary practice, the feast encourages reflection on vocation and humility, as articulated in Church teachings. Evidence from patristic sources indicates its antiquity, integrated into Roman observance by the fifth century. This reflects the Church's scriptural fidelity, nurturing devotional customs in [[shrines]] and parishes worldwide under [[Vatican]] oversight, with allowances for local [[dioceses]] variations.

== Liturgical observance ==
The liturgical color is white, denoting festivity and the saint's purity in the Roman Rite.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2025-06-24 |title=Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist - June 24, 2025 |date=June 24, 2025 |publisher=Catholic Culture}}</ref> Ranked as a solemnity in the [[General Roman Calendar]] (2002 edition), it takes precedence over Sundays in Ordinary Time but may be transferred if conflicting with higher observances; consult diocesan ordos for adaptations.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccdds/documents/rc_con_ccdds_doc_20030313_ordinamento-messale_en.html |title=General Instruction of the Roman Missal |date=March 13, 2003 |publisher=Vatican}}</ref> A Vigil Mass is optional on June 23, with distinct propers, while the principal celebration uses the Mass during the Day; no unique rites like blessings are prescribed beyond the Gloria and Creed.

The readings for the Mass during the Day (Lectionary no. 587) include the first reading from Isaiah 49:1–6, portraying the servant called from the womb as a light to the nations; the responsorial psalm from Psalm 139:1b–3, 13–14ab, 14c–15 ("I praise you, for I am wonderfully and fearfully made") with verses emphasizing prenatal formation; the second reading from Acts 13:22–25, recounting Paul's summary of salvation history culminating in John's preparatory baptism; and the Gospel from Luke 1:57–66, 80, narrating Elizabeth's delivery, the naming of John, and Zechariah's prophecy.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062425.cfm |title=Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist |date=June 24, 2025 |publisher=United States Conference of Catholic Bishops}}</ref> These align with the [[Missale Romanum]] (third edition, 2002), focusing on vocation and joy. Eastern Catholic rites may feature additional troparia honoring the saint.

== History ==
The feast originated in the Eastern Church by the fourth century, with references in the pilgrim Egeria's diary (c. 381–384) to its celebration in Jerusalem on June 24, calculated from the Annunciation as John's conception six months prior.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/liturgical-holidays/solemnity-of-the-nativity-of-saint-john-the-baptist.html |title=Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist |date=June 24, 2023 |publisher=Vatican News}}</ref> It spread to the West by the fifth century, appearing in Roman calendars as a major observance, possibly influenced by solar alignments marking the summer solstice's decline toward Christ's Nativity.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2022/06/liturgical-notes-on-nativity-of-st-john.html |title=Liturgical Notes on the Nativity of St. John the Baptist |date=June 25, 2022 |publisher=The New Liturgical Movement}}</ref> By the sixth century, it was universal, with three Masses in some traditions evoking the triple birth announcement.

The 1969 reform under Pope Paul VI retained its solemnity status in the *General Roman Calendar* (2002), emphasizing biblical roots over medieval customs like midsummer vigils, though local integrations persist.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/nativity-of-saint-john-the-baptist/ |title=Nativity of Saint John the Baptist |date=June 24, 2025 |publisher=Franciscan Media}}</ref> This cannot be confirmed for pre-1962 rites, which included octave extensions; consult historical missals for variations. Eastern Catholic calendars observe similarly, often with greater ascetic emphases.

== Theological significance ==
The feast's significance centers on John's prenatal sanctification, prefiguring baptismal grace and the prophetic mission, as God declares, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you" (Jer 1:5, echoed in Vigil readings).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062425-Vigil.cfm |title=Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist - Vigil |date=June 24, 2025 |publisher=United States Conference of Catholic Bishops}}</ref> The *Catechism of the Catholic Church* (no. 719) describes John as "more than a prophet," the immediate precursor completing the Old Covenant by baptizing the Messiah, thus bridging eras in salvation history.<ref>{{cite book |title=Catechism of the Catholic Church |edition=2nd |date=1997 |publisher=Libreria Editrice Vaticana |isbn=978-0-877-93191-9 |pages=168}}</ref> His nativity evokes joy at God's fidelity to the barren (cf. Luke 1:58), modeling humility in vocation.

Papal reflections, such as Pope Francis' 2014 homily, portray the event as a "sign of God's surprise," urging wonder at divine works and evangelization.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/liturgical-holidays/solemnity-of-the-nativity-of-saint-john-the-baptist.html |title=Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist |date=June 24, 2023 |publisher=Vatican News}}</ref> Liturgical tradition holds it as an invitation to recognize Christ in the Eucharist, though no dogmas are exclusively tied; evidence suggests its role in highlighting the Holy Spirit's action from conception (CCC 523).

This reflects universal Roman Rite observance; Eastern Catholic or local calendars may differ.

== Veneration and traditions ==
Universal veneration emphasizes John's humility ("He must increase, I must decrease" – John 3:30), with the feast promoting baptismal renewal and missionary zeal, observed ecumenically.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://missions.ewtn.com/seasonsandfeastdays/nativityofstjohnthebaptist/ |title=Nativity of St. John the Baptist |date=Accessed November 16, 2025 |publisher=EWTN}}</ref> According to devotional practice, herbs are blessed in some regions, symbolizing John's wilderness life, though not in the *Missale Romanum*; popular customs include lighting bonfires to signify light decreasing toward Christ's birth, rooted in medieval European midsummer rites.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://aleteia.org/2021/06/23/celebrate-summer-christmas-with-these-5-traditions-for-john-the-baptist/ |title=Celebrate “summer Christmas” with these 5 traditions for John the Baptist |date=June 23, 2021 |publisher=Aleteia}}</ref> This cannot be confirmed as obligatory.

Locally, Quebec marks it as a statutory holiday with parades and fireworks, blending faith and folklore, while in Malta, processions honor John as patron.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=1126 |title=Liturgical Year: Activities: Feast of Saint John the Baptist |date=Accessed November 16, 2025 |publisher=Catholic Culture}}</ref> In the Philippines, ''wakas'' (herb blessings) accompany family feasts. Music features the ''Benedictus'' canticle, with global variations like Scandinavian maypole dances tied loosely to the saint. These enrich piety but stem from cultural traditions.

== Significant locations ==
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== Dynamic content ==
=== Parishes ===
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=== Media ===
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=== Shrines ===
==== Dynamic shrines ====
{{Feast shrines|Where=Nativity of Saint John the Baptist}}
====List of shrines ====
===== Church of Saint John the Baptist, Ein Karem =====
- Erected in 1955 over Crusader-era ruins marking John's presumed birthplace, this Franciscan church in the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem hosts annual nativity Masses with multilingual liturgies.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Saint_John_the_Baptist,_Ein_Karem |title=Church of Saint John the Baptist, Ein Karem |date=Accessed November 16, 2025 |publisher=Wikipedia}}</ref> Pilgrims receive plenary indulgences on June 24 for confession, Communion, and prayers for the Pope, per Canon 1230.
- The crypt evokes the home's humility, fostering devotions to prenatal grace.

===== Church of the Visitation ===== 
- Built in 1955 on the site of Zechariah and Elizabeth's home, adjacent to the nativity church, it commemorates the Visitation where John leaped in the womb (Luke 1:41), under the same patriarchate.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.custodia.org/en/sanctuaries/ain-karem-saint-john-the-baptist/ |title=Ain Karem - Saint John the Baptist |date=Accessed November 16, 2025 |publisher=Custodia di Terra Santa}}</ref> Feast-day visits grant partial indulgences for Magnificat recitation.
- Magnificat inscriptions in 40 languages adorn walls, linking to John's prophetic joy.

===== Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran =====
- The oldest papal basilica, dedicated to John the Baptist since the fourth century, celebrates the nativity with solemn Vespers in the Diocese of Rome.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archbasilica_of_Saint_John_Lateran |title=Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran |date=Accessed November 16, 2025 |publisher=Wikipedia}}</ref> Plenary indulgences apply for pilgrims fulfilling usual conditions on the feast.
- As mother church, it symbolizes John's role in ecclesial foundations.

===== Basilica of Saint John the Baptist =====
- Constructed in 1839–1855 in St. John's, Newfoundland, this minor basilica honors the saint's nativity and patronage, with diocesan feasts including relic veneration.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_of_St._John_the_Baptist |title=Basilica of St. John the Baptist |date=Accessed November 16, 2025 |publisher=Wikipedia}}</ref> In the Archdiocese of St. John's, indulgences are granted for June 24 devotions per Canon 1230.
- Gothic Revival architecture features baptistery art depicting the nativity scene.

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* [https://www.vaticannews.va/en/liturgical-holidays/solemnity-of-the-nativity-of-saint-john-the-baptist.html Vatican News] – Resources on the solemnity
* [https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062425.cfm USCCB] – Daily readings for the feast
* [https://www.custodia.org/en/sanctuaries/ain-karem-saint-john-the-baptist/ Custodia di Terra Santa] – Official site for Ein Karem shrines