Who was St. John?

Saint John the Baptist was born in Israel, in a town called Aim Karim, which is 6 kilometers from the center of Jerusalem. According to Christian literature, Saint John the Baptist was consecrated to God from his mother's womb and came into the world with the purpose of announcing the arrival of the son of God.

In his adult life, he preached conversion and repentance of sins through baptism. He baptized the people of Jerusalem, now known as the first sacrament of Christianity. In the Bible, in the New Testament, Saint John the Baptist was the forerunner of Jesus, announcing his coming and the salvation he would bring to all.

Baptist was the voice that cried out in the desert and communicated the arrival of the Savior. After him, there was no other prophet in Israel. Read on and learn the story of the origin, death and devotion to St. John the Baptist!

Knowing more about São João

St. John the Baptist is the only saint to have two dates celebrated in the Christian calendar. His holiness is commemorated on June 24, which is the date of his birth, and also on August 29, in memory of the day he was martyred.

With a miraculous birth, St. John the Baptist was Jesus' cousin and worked to evangelize the people of Jerusalem. Learn more about the story of this prophet below!

Origin and history

The father of St. John the Baptist was a priest of the temple in Jerusalem and his name was Zacharias. His mother was St. Elizabeth, a cousin of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Elizabeth was believed to be barren because, although she had been married for a long time, she had not become pregnant, also because she was of advanced age.

According to the legend, while Zechariah was working, he received a visit from the angel Gabriel, announcing that his wife would have a son and that his name should be John. The same angel appeared to Mary, revealing that she would be Jesus' mother and that her cousin would also bear a child. Mary went to visit her already pregnant cousin who, by her presence, felt John in her womb stirring in celebration.

Then Elizabeth and Mary agreed that when the child was born, they would tell everyone by lighting a fire in front of the house and erecting a pole as a sign of birth. Thus, on a starry night, John was born and his father made the sign with fire, which became the symbol of June festivities.

With the signal, Mary went to her cousin's house, taking a small chapel and a bundle of dried and scented leaves as a gift for the newborn baby.

The death of St. John

After the death of his parents, St. John the Baptist went to live in the desert, where he went through trials and became known as a prophet. After years of wandering and praying, he began to announce the coming of the Son of God and the need for baptism as the first Christian sacrament. Many people came to John to be baptized and to free themselves from their regrets.

Jesus also sought out his cousin and asked for baptism. It was then that, upon seeing him, John uttered, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." Upon receiving Jesus' request, John replied, "It is I who must be baptized by you, and are you coming to me?" According to the story, this happened in a village called Adam, where John preached concerning "him who would come," before baptizing Jesus.

In this same village, he accused King Herod of having ties to his sister-in-law, Herodias. This accusation was public, and upon learning of it, Herod had John arrested. He was imprisoned and kept in a fortress for 10 months.

Salome, Herod's daughter, asked her father not only to arrest John the Baptist, but also to kill him. He was beheaded, and his head handed to the king on a silver platter. This image is depicted in several paintings in Christian art.

Visual characteristics

In the arts, the scenes of St. John baptizing Jesus and his head being handed to Salome on a tray have been depicted by many artists, including Leonardo da Vinci. In da Vinci's oil painting, there are controversial visual characteristics that have generated controversy about its meaning. In it, St. John the Baptist is depicted with his hand pointing upwards and with an enigmatic smile.

Still in the image, John the Baptist's torso has a certain solidity and strength, his face has a delicacy and mysterious softness, which seem to contradict the personality of St. John described by the Bible, portrayed as the uncompromising preacher of the desert.

Thus, many believe that da Vinci chose to portray Saint John at the moment following Christ's baptism, when the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus in the form of a dove.

In some representations, Saint John the Baptist appears with a banner, which contains a Latin text: 'Ecce Agnus Dei', which means: 'Behold the Lamb of God'. It concerns another revelation of God through Saint John the Baptist.

Some time after baptizing Jesus, John the Baptist saw him again on the banks of the Jordan and said to his disciples, "Behold the Lamb of God, the one who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). At this moment, John the Baptist revealed that Jesus is the Lamb of God, that is, the true and definitive sacrifice that would be offered for the forgiveness of sins.

What does São João represent?

St. John the Baptist cherished the truth and for this reason he was beheaded to death in prison. Symbolically, he represents the one who recognizes the new because he announced the arrival of Jesus. He is venerated as a prophet, saint, martyr, forerunner of the Messiah and herald of the truth. His representation in the church is shown baptizing Jesus and holding a staff in the shape of a cross.

In addition, the image of St. John the Baptist is a great lesson about the life and work of this saint. The purple tunic that, in many images, St. John the Baptist wears reveals an important aspect of his life: austerity and fasting. The Gospels attest that John fed on locusts and wild honey and that he lived by fasting and had a great spirit of prayer.

The right hand of John the Baptist, raised in the images, symbolizes his preaching on the banks of the Jordan River. He went all over the Jordan River basin preaching penitence, conversion, repentance and forgiveness of sins. He gathered crowds around him because of the power of his preaching.

In some images, Saint John appears with a shell in his left hand, symbolizing his mission as a baptizer. It recalls that "Baptist" is not exactly a surname, but a function: the one who baptizes. The shell also recalls that John the Baptist was the one who baptized Jesus, the Savior.

Finally, the cross of St. John the Baptist has two meanings. First, it represents the proclamation of Jesus Christ as Savior. Jesus saves humanity as the Lamb of God who sacrifices himself through the cross on behalf of all humanity. Second, the cross also symbolizes the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist as a prefiguration of the death of Jesus.

Devotion in Brazil

The feast of Saint John the Baptist gained space within the Catholic Church when the Portuguese arrived in Brazil. Along with the Portuguese, came the religious June festivities. This is how, in Brazil, European Christian customs merged with the customs of the indigenous people. The festivities have a great bond with the Catholic saint, but also a great variety of typical dishes and dances.

In Brazil, devotion to Christ's cousin has been perpetuated for generations in a multicultural way through the June festivities. Besides the reference to Saint John the Baptist, the celebrations also pay homage to two other saints: on the 13th, Saint Anthony and on the 29th, Saint Peter.

The Christian Church, in its prayers and homage, also recognizes August 29th, date of the martyrdom of this saint.

When introduced in Brazil by the colonizers, little by little, the June Festivities spread throughout Brazil, but it was really in the Northeast of the country that they gained strength. In some regions of the Brazilian Northeast, the festivities last all month and several competitions of groups that dance the traditional quadrilha are held, attracting tourists from all over the country.

Traditional Prayer to Saint John

The name John stands for "God is propitious." St. John earned his nickname "Baptist" because of the numerous baptisms he performed with the Jews on the way to evangelize the people of Jerusalem for the arrival of Jesus.

This tradition was later adapted by Christianity and therefore the prayer to St. John is used for the sacrament of baptism. Read on and understand more about the traditional prayer, its indication and its meaning!

Indications

The prayer to Saint John the Baptist is indicated to protect life as a whole, but also to enlighten it. Above all, to protect friendships and pregnant women.

Thus, people who pray with this intention will have their hearts illuminated by the graces of St. John the Baptist. This prayer is also used by priests for the baptism of children in Catholic doctrine.

Meaning

With its purifying meaning, the prayer of devotion to Saint John the Baptist is used to pray for the cleansing of the soul, heart and life of those who use it. For this reason, it is normally used in celebrations for the baptism of Christian children. The combination of the prayer and the holy water asks the saint to intercede for the presence of God in the life of those who receive his graces.

Prayer

St. John the Baptist, who came to announce the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ our Savior, who in the midst of the desert preached to all who came to meet him to hear his holy words and on the banks of the Jordan River baptized the first believers and had the sacred honor of granting baptism to the one of whom he considered himself unworthy, Jesus Christ, the anointed Son of God, make me a temple toaspire the blessings of the crucified Christ and grant me the holy water, the same that you sprinkled on him when you said, 'Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

I, a poor sinner, who considered myself unworthy of the promises of Christ, from this moment on rejoice in his most holy blessing and bow to the sovereign will of the Father. So be it.

Prayer for St. John on June 24

The 24th of June is a special date to pray to Saint John the Baptist. Besides being the date of birth of the saint, it is also one of the most popular within the Christian doctrine.

Thus, not only will you be praying for his graces, but many believers and devotees will be together, creating positive energies with the prayers. Know the specific prayer for this date, its indications and its meaning below!

Indications

Prayers for St. John the Baptist are recommended throughout the month of June. But specifically on June 24 it is indicated to pray to the voice that this saint raised in the desert to enlighten everyone about the arrival of Jesus.

Therefore, the prayer of June 24 should be dedicated to requesting, with a few words, the intercession and discernment coming from the one who baptized Jesus.

Meaning

The St. John the Baptist prayer for June 24th has as its main meaning to show repentance for the faults committed so far and demonstrate all your humility in relation to the supplication for forgiveness. It is a time to deliver to the saint your devotion and request his interference so that you become worthy of God's blessings.

Prayer

Saint John the Baptist, the voice crying out in the wilderness: "Make straight the ways of the Lord, do penance, for in your midst is one whom you do not know and of whom I am not worthy to untie the laces of your sandals.

Help me to do penance for my faults so that I may become worthy of the forgiveness of him whom you have announced with these words: "Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sin of the world. St. John, preacher of penance, pray for us. St. John, forerunner of the Messiah, pray for us. St. John, joy of the people, pray for us. Amen."

Prayer for Saint John to give you blessing

Just as Jesus came to St. John the Baptist requesting his own baptism, we can, through the prayer of blessing, ask this saint to give us his blessings and protection for our lives, or the lives of those we love. This prayer is powerful to be used in serious and noble matters. Learn about its indication and meaning below!

Indications

The St. John the Baptist prayer to give blessing can be used for any purpose with good purposes, that is, due to the importance of St. John the Baptist to the New Testament, according to the Bible, he opens wards of the good news.

Therefore, it is not convenient to make this kind of prayer for minor causes, but for those requests that are really important and human, such as those involving the health of a loved one.

Meaning

For all the miraculous meaning of his conception and performance in life, preparing the Jews for the arrival of Jesus, the prayer of blessing of Saint John the Baptist means a small pilgrimage through the moments of life of this saint, bringing his strength and faith to our reality. With the intention of clamoring for blessing, the strength and faith of this saint are present in this prayer.

Prayer

O Glorious Saint John the Baptist, prince of the prophets, forerunner of the divine Redeemer, first-born of the grace of Jesus and the intercession of his most holy Mother. How great you were before the Lord, by the stupendous gifts of grace with which you were marvelously enriched from your mother's womb, and by your admirable virtues.

I ardently beseech you, obtain for me from Jesus the grace to love and serve him with extreme affection and devotion unto death. Also obtain for me, my most excellent protector, a singular devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, who for love of you went with haste to the house of your mother St. Elizabeth, to be filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

If you obtain for me these two graces, as I hope very much from your great goodness and powerful courage, I am certain that, loving Jesus and Mary to death, I will save my soul and in heaven with you and all the Angels and Saints I will love and praise Jesus and Mary among eternal joys and delights. Amen.

Novena of Prayers for Saint John

The novena is the recitation of a set of prayers, in an individual or group way, performed during the period of nine days. It should be practiced as a manifestation of devotion to God or to the saint for whom one wishes to obtain a grace.

Number 9 has a special meaning in Catholic worship, since it is equal to the square of 3, a number considered perfect because it is related to the Holy Trinity. Therefore, during the nine days of the novena, the patron saint is praised three times. During the novena, an hour is dedicated to prayer for nine consecutive days.

Candles are the symbol of faith, but can be dispensed with, depending on where the novena is practiced. Work and interpersonal relationships need not be avoided, since the Christian's routine should not be altered, except in relation to prayers and devotions. Read on and check out the novena of prayers to St. John the Baptist, its indication and its meaning!

Indications

The novena for St. John is indicated to be performed nine days before the day of festivities. That is, nine days before June 24 or nine days before August 29. These are the novenas of preparation, as they are joyful and precede the day of the festive dates.

Meaning

The novena, in its most traditional form, asks everyone involved to recite the prayers at least once during the nine days. It has the significance of entering into connection with the patron saint. Therefore, find a quiet place to perform your prayers to St. John the Baptist and try to follow the schedule daily, always at the same time.

Day 1

Just as the lamb longs to drink of the purest running waters, St. John the Baptist longs for my soul. St. John, who was born glorified, announced by the angels, hear me! I thirst for truth, to elevate my soul. Day and night, tears alone have been my nourishment. Help me at this moment when I feel so alone! Help me, for I am downcast.

Why this turmoil within me? I trust in God, I praise the Lord, and I know that God is my salvation. When I remember the baptism of the Messiah, from the land of the Jordan River, I am sure that you will obtain this grace for me. Saint John, preacher of penance, pray for us. Saint John, forerunner of the Messiah, pray for us. Saint John, joy of the people, pray for us. Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be.

Day 2

O glorious Saint John the Baptist, prince of the prophets, forerunner of the divine Redeemer, first-born of the grace of Jesus and of the intercession of his most holy Mother, who was great before the Lord, by the stupendous gifts of grace with which he was marvelously enriched from his mother's womb, and by your admirable virtues, obtain for me from Jesus, I earnestly beseech you, the grace to love and serve him withextreme affection and dedication until death.

Grant me also, my excellent protector, a singular devotion to Mary Most Holy, who for love of you went with haste to the house of your mother St. Elizabeth, that you might be cleansed from original sin and filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. If you obtain for me these two graces, as I hope very much from your great goodness and powerful intercession, I am certain that, loving Jesus and Mary to death, I will save mysoul and in Heaven with you and all the Angels and Saints I will love and praise Jesus and Mary among eternal joys and delights.

Amen. St. John, preacher of penance, pray for us. St. John, forerunner of the Messiah, pray for us. St. John, joy of the people, pray for us. Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be.

Day 3

Glorious St. John the Baptist, who was sanctified in his mother's womb on hearing the greeting of Mary Most Holy, and canonized while still alive by the same Jesus Christ who solemnly declared that among those born of women there is none greater than you, through the intercession of the Virgin and by the infinite merits of her divine Son, obtain for us the grace to bear witness to the truth and seal it up untilwith their own blood, if need be, as you have done.

Bless all who call upon you, and grant that all the virtues you practiced in life may flourish here, so that truly animated by your spirit, in the state in which God has placed us, we may one day enjoy eternal blessedness with you. Amen. St. John, preacher of penance, pray for us. St. John, forerunner of the Messiah, pray for us. St. John, joy of the people, pray for us. FatherOurs, Hail Mary and Glory Be.

Day 4

St. John the Divine, defend us in the battle against evil. Be our defense against selfishness, wickedness and the snares of the devil. To you I turn, protect me from the dangers that surround me in my daily life. May your shield protect me against my selfishness and my indifference to God and neighbor. Inspire me to imitate you in all things. May your blessing accompany me forever, so that I mayalways see Christ in our neighbor, and work for his Kingdom.

I hope that through your intercession you will obtain for me with God those favours and graces I need in order to overcome the temptations, miseries and afflictions of daily life. May your heart, always full of love, compassion and mercy for those who are afflicted and in need, never cease to comfort and assist all those who invoke your powerful intercession.

St John, preacher of penance, pray for us. St John, forerunner of the Messiah, pray for us. St John, joy of the people, pray for us. Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be.

Day 5

Blessed be St. John the Baptist, who announced with firmness and faith the coming of the Messiah! Be our faithful intercessor, O Saint John, in our needs and projects. Grant us, Lord Jesus, through the merits of St. John the Baptist, the gifts we lack for greater perseverance and peace in our lives, amen. St. John the Baptist, pray for us. St. John, preacher of penance, pray for us. St. John,Precursor of the Messiah, pray for us. Saint John, joy of the people, pray for us. Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be.

Day 6

O Saint John the Baptist, who baptized Jesus Christ, come to my aid to help me to cross the highways of life with faith and joy, so as to make my life a true daily baptism, that together with Jesus Christ I may obtain the grace I so much need. Amen. Saint John, preacher of penance, pray for us. Saint John, forerunner of the Messiah, pray for us. Saint John,joy of the people, pray for us. Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be.

Day 7

Lord, through the intercession of Saint John the Baptist, I ask you for the gift of fortitude so that I may face with gentleness the daily difficulties. With the same faith of such a noble soul, I ask you for the grace I need so much. I thank you in advance, my Lord and my God, for the care you have for me. Amen. Saint John, preacher of penance, pray for us. Saint John, forerunner of the Messiah, pray for us.Saint John, joy of the people, pray for us. Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be.

Day 8

O God, who raised up Saint John the Baptist to prepare a perfect people for the Lord, grant your Church spiritual joys and direct our steps on the way of salvation and peace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit.

St John, preacher of penance, pray for us. St John, forerunner of the Messiah, pray for us. St John, joy of the people, pray for us. Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be.

Day 9

Just as a lamb longs to drink of the purest running waters, St. John the Baptist longs for my soul. St. John, who was born glorified, announced by the angels, hear me! I thirst for truth, to elevate my soul. Day and night, tears alone have been my nourishment. Help me at this moment when I feel so alone! Help me, for I am downcast. Why this turmoil within me?

I trust in God, I praise the Lord, and I know that God is my salvation. When I remember the baptism of the Messiah, the land of the Jordan River region, I am sure that you will obtain this grace for me.

St John, preacher of penance, pray for us. St John, forerunner of the Messiah, pray for us. St John, joy of the people, pray for us. Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be.

How to make a St. John's prayer correctly?

Setting aside times for prayer is the first step to praying correctly. Specifically, to say prayers to St. John the Baptist, find a nice, quiet environment where you are comfortable and not too noisy. Remember that praying is a conversation with your patron saint, so be open-hearted and dedicated to this moment.

For prayer, have humility and understanding of your purpose. While you have in hand the prayers for each type of request or request, read them and verbalize them in your own words, and interpret them for your need. Pray with faith and with perseverance and keep in mind that the moment of prayer is a privilege.

Finally, believe in the sovereignty of God and all the saints to whom you are devoted and who together protect your life. They are the ones who have superior forces to help you solve, with great faith, problems and doubts.