St. John the Baptist, an ascetic Jewish prophet, is most known to Christians as a blood relative of Jesus, Jesus’ forerunner and a preacher about God’s final judgement who offered a baptism of repentance. The Blessed Virgin Mary traveled approximately 81 miles to visit her cousin Elizabeth prior to both John and Jesus’ births. Given the times and the distances it is unlikely John and Jesus ever met until Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan. Scripture tells us that on that encounter John recognized Jesus as the one who was to come.
Growing up in the parish of St. John the Baptist in Peterborough there was always great celebration on or about June 24th. Beginning with a special Mass, all then went ahead to the grounds of the church for our parish festival where there was entertainment by parishioners and the children from the school, games for children and adults, special draw prizes, home baking, tea-room, 50/50 draw and more. All of that was intended to honor our patron saint, raise enough to pay our insurance costs, and more importantly to build community. As recently as June 22nd the tradition continued after 72 years. One could say mission accomplished.
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day originated from celebrations of the summer solstice, an ancient pagan tradition in which fires were lit to celebrate light on the longest day of the year. In France, the Roman Catholic Church adapted this holiday and associated it with John the Baptist, cousin of Jesus. For our French Canadian brothers and sisters in Quebec and throughout Canada St. Jean-Baptiste Day has always been celebrated with great flourish often beginning the evening of the 23rd and filling the next 24 hours with religious celebrations, music, special food, bonfires and community-building fun. It is also a celebration of Canada’s francophone identity and of their incredibly rich and proud culture.
John the Baptist preaching
As a youth I had thought of St. John the Baptist as a holy and faithful man of God who preached repentance. I also thought his camel hair clothes and meals of locusts and wild honey were to say the least unusual. Today, on further reflection of his legacy of community and cultural celebrations in his honor, he has for me become a catalyst for religious reflection, celebration and relationship building.
Who is he for you?
Bonne Saint-Jean-Baptiste a tous !
-Maureen Condon, CSJ Associate