The birthday of John the Baptist, the forerunner who prepared the way for Christ.
Dates
| Year | Dates | Reckoning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June 24, 2025 | ||
| 2026 | June 24, 2026 |
Recurrence: Gregorian fixed date.
Significance
The Nativity of John the Baptist, on June 24, celebrates the birth of the forerunner who prepared the way for Christ. John is one of very few saints whose earthly birthday the Church keeps as a feast, most being commemorated on the day of their death. The date falls near the summer solstice, matching his word that he must decrease as Christ increases.
Observance
Mass is celebrated for the forerunner's birth, and in many places the eve is kept with bonfires, the fires of Saint John.