St. John the Baptist-John, born slightly before Jesus (c. 6–4 BCE), was a prophet and Jesus’s cousin (Luke 1:5–80). He preached repentance, baptized in the Jordan River, and prepared the way for Jesus, baptizing him (Matthew 3:13–17). He was beheaded by Herod Antipas (c. 30 CE, Mark 6:17–29) for denouncing Herod’s marriage.

Role in Christianity: John is the forerunner of Christ, bridging Old and New Testaments. His call to repentance and baptism prefigures Christian sacraments. He’s honored as a martyr and prophet, with feast days (June 24, August 29).

Significance for Catholics: John’s courage and humility inspire preparation for Christ, fitting your site’s emphasis on spiritual growth through prayer like the Rosary.

Prayer to St. John the Baptist

Origin: Traditional prayer invoking the precursor of Christ.

Text:
O God, who hast made this day to be honorable in our eyes by the commemoration of blessed John the Baptist, grant unto Thy people the grace of spiritual joy, and direct the souls of all Thy faithful into the way of everlasting salvation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

Litany of St. John the Baptist (select invocations)

Text:
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us.
St. John the Baptist, precursor of Christ, pray for us.
St. John the Baptist, voice crying in the wilderness, pray for us.
St. John the Baptist, herald of the Messiah, pray for us.
St. John the Baptist, baptizer of the Lord, pray for us.
O Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, hear us, O Lord.
Let us pray: O God, who hast appointed blessed John to go before Thy Son in the spirit and power of Elijah, grant that through his intercession we may be prepared to receive Thy grace and walk in the way of salvation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.