Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

Feast June 24

The Church usually observes the day of a saint's death as his feast, because that day marks his entrance into heaven. To this rule there are two notable exceptions, the birthdays of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of St. John the Baptist, both born free of original sin (as John was cleansed of original sin in his mother’s womb). “I tell you, among those born of woman no one is greater than John…” Jesus said (Matt 11:11).

John’s purpose was to prepare the way for the Redeemer.