Catholicbook/St.Raphael

June 24th, we celebrate a rare and beautiful feast: The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist.

Did you know that the Church usually celebrates saints on the day they died (their birth into heaven)?

There are only three exceptions whose earthly births we celebrate: Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and St. John the Baptist. This is because John was filled with the Holy Spirit even before his birth, leaping in his mother Elizabeth’s womb at the sound of Mary’s voice.

John’s entire life was a flashing neon sign pointing directly to Jesus. He was the “voice crying out in the desert,” preparing the way for the Messiah.

There is a beautiful symbolism to this feast day, too. It takes place right after the summer solstice. From this point on, the days begin to grow shorter and the light decreases—perfectly mirroring John’s own mission to step back so Christ could take center stage.

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Did you get it right?

The correct answer is B. Pontmain.

They claimed an “invisible Madonna in the sky” prevented them from finishing the war.

On June 3rd, we celebrate the Feast of St. Charles Lwanga and Companions, the Martyrs of Uganda.

In the late 1880s, Charles and 21 other young men and boys stood fiercely by their faith and protected one another in the face of extreme persecution.

Charles, who was a leader and protector of the royal court pages, famously baptized several of his companions secretly before they were led to their martyrdom.

Their courage reminds us that holiness isn’t about age or status; it’s about a radical, unshakeable love for Christ.

St. Charles Lwanga & Companions, pray for us! 🙏