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Birth of John the Baptist June 24

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Birth of John the Baptist June 24 Birth of John the Baptist St. John the Baptist was highly honored June 24 The Church observes the birth of John as a throughout the Church from the beginning. hallowed event. We have no such comme- Fifteen churches were dedicated to him in the moration for any other fathers; but it is sig- imperial city of Constantinople. The fact that Christ praised him so highly (Matthew 11, 11) nificant that we celebrate the birthdays of encouraged special veneration. As soon as the John and of Jesus. This day cannot be Feast of Christmas was established on December passed by. Even if my explanation does not 25 (in the fifth century) the date of the Baptist's match the dignity of the feast, you may still birth was assigned to June 24. meditate on it with great depth and profit. The Council of Agde, in 506, listed the Na- John appears as the boundary between the tivity of Saint John among the highest feasts, on two testaments, the old and the new. That he which all attended Mass and abstained from is a sort of boundary the Lord himself bears servile work. Just as on Christmas, three Masses witness, when he speaks of “the law and the were celebrated, one during the vigil service, the prophets up until John the Baptist.” Thus he second at dawn, the third in the morning. represents times past and is the herald of the The Baptist is patron of tailors (because he made his own garments in the desert), of shep- new era to come. As a representative of the herds (because he spoke of the “Lamb of God”), past, he is born of aged parents; as a herald and of masons. of the new era, he is declared to be a prophet All over Europe, from Scandinavia to Spain, while still in his mother’s womb. For when and from Ireland to Russia, Saint John's Day yet unborn, he leapt in his mother’s womb at festivities are closely associated with the ancient the arrival of blessed Mary. In that womb he nature lore of the great summer festival of pre- had already been designated a prophet, even Christian times. Fires are lighted on mountains before he was born; it was revealed that he and hilltops on the eve of his feast. These “Saint was to be Christ’s precursor, before they John’s fires” burn brightly and quietly along the ever saw one another. These are divine fiords of Norway, on the peaks of the Alps, on Saint John the Baptist, happenings, going beyond the limits of our the slopes of the Pyrenees, and on the mountains --precursor of Christ, pray for us; of Spain. Another custom is that of lighting human frailty. --glorious forerunner of the Sun of Justice... many small fires in the valleys and plains. --minister of baptism to Jesus... When John was preaching the Lord’s People gather around, jump through the flames, --burning and shining lamp of the world.... coming he was asked, “Who are you?” And and sing traditional songs in praise of the saint --angel of purity before your birth... he replied: “I am the voice of one crying in or of summer. --special friend and favorite of Christ... the wilderness.” The voice is John, but the --heavenly contemplative... Lord “in the beginning was the Word.” John Why not celebrate this feast with a barbe- --preacher of truth... was a voice that lasted only for a time; cue, or a weenie or marshmallow roast? --voice crying in the wilderness... Christ, the Word in the beginning, is eternal. Burn a few sparklers to honor the birth of --miracle of mortification and penance... from a sermon by Saint Augustine the Baptist. Let the late light of summer --example of profound humility... on the birth of John the Baptist remind of the Light of the World announced --glorious martyr of zeal for God’s holy law... --gloriously fulfilling your mission... by John the Baptist. Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles In Peru, on the Day of Saints Peter and Paul, Midsummer and St. Petertide are the June 29 processions of decorated boats carry images favorite seasons for “rush-bearing” in of Saint Peter, who was the patron saint of England: rushes or new-mown hay are fishers. Saint Paul is said to have been brought in to be laid on the floors of martyred on the same date. The procession churches. In northwestern England, floating from the seaside town of Valparaíso rushcarts with towering flower-bedecked has been held annually since 1682. loads of braided rushes move in processions. In Romania, the Saints Peter and Paul celebration lasts for three days. Legend has In Poroa de Varzim, Portugal, St. Peter is it that glow-worms appear on this day. St. honored as a fisherman. Houses are Peter sends them to guide those who are lost decorated with garlands of lights, nautical in the woods. The dead are remembered on banners, tinfoil boats and colorful ribbons. this day, which is also a day of prayer to Stages are trimmed with nets, oars and keep wolves away from the cattle. rigging for life-sized Peters in fishing boats. At sunset, the townsfolk, dressed in black, June 29 marks the height of the summer in march to the beat of drums, following an the high mountain plains of western empty coffin draped with flowers and lace. Ukraine, where the land is not suitable for Some carry candles and others poles topped farming. Sheep and cattle are raised. On the with large realistic wax heads representing The Lord has set you firm within his Church, feast of Saints Peter and Paul, the villagers the beloved dead of the town. Onlookers which he built upon the rock of Peter’s faith. May he bless you with a faith that never falters. honor the head shepherds and assistants for strew their path with rushes and mint and keeping the communal flocks safe and thyme. Later, they drink young wine, dance The Lord has given you knowledge of the faith healthy, presenting them with gifts of around huge bonfires and jump through the through the labors and preaching of Saint Paul. clothing, tools, and food. flames, feast on fresh grilled sardines and set May his example inspire you to lead others An important part of this celebration is the off fireworks. to Christ by the manner of your life. special baked rolls called mandryky, from the word mandruvaty, meaning “to wander.” May the keys of Peter, and the words of Paul, According to legend, the apostles Peter and Pennsylvania Dutch farmers had a little their undying witness and their prayers, Paul were sustained by these rolls while rhyme about this day: Peter und Paul mach lead you to the joy of that eternal home traveling on their missions. die Wurzel faul or “Peter and Paul makes the which Peter gained by his cross, Mandryky are small rounds of bed dough, root crops rot,” indicating that it usually and Paul by the sword. baked with a filling of cheese or cabbage. rains on their day. Solemn Blessing on the Solemnity of Peter and Paul, Apostles .
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