The Nativity of John the Baptist was one of the first festivals to be included on the Church’s calendar. Also of note is that this is one of only three birthdays the Church recalls (the other two being that of Jesus and the virgin Mary) as all other saints are commemorated on the day of their death.

John, the name given to him by the angel, means “God’s gracious gift”, and John fulfilled the promise of this name by heralding the arrival of the long-promised Messiah.

Today we remember John, the forerunner, but especially the faithfulness of God, whose plan of salvation came to fruition in His Son. From a priestly family, John’s birth was marked by the angel for his special role. In the visit of the virgin Mary to Elizabeth, John kicked in the womb, stirred at the very presence of Jesus.