St John the Baptist Bonfire (24 June)

The Nativity of St. John the Baptist is one of the oldest of the Church feasts. It is the birthday celebration of St. John the Baptist, and is sometimes called summer Christmas. Last night after Compline or Night Prayer…on the eve of this holy feast…we lit a small bonfire as a symbol of the burning and brilliant light, St. John the Baptist, who pointed out Christ in this world of darkness. The significance of the bonfire was taken from Zachary's canticle, where he sang out in praise of John that he would enlighten them that sat in darkness. St. John the Baptist was a man on fire with the Holy Ghost. His words burned like a furnace, and he feared no one, even the powerful rulers of his day. He called all to repentance without exception, and lightened the way for the Messiah like a blazing torch. What better way to commemorate this zealous prophet than with a roaring bonfire? And indeed, it is an ancient tradition of the Church to build a bonfire on the night of June 23, the vigil of St. John’s nativity, and keep watch through the night. The vigil of this feast is also symbolic in that it takes place only a few days after the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. For more please visit http://www.reginaprophetarum.org & remember to say 3 Hail Marys for the priest

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