Normally held on June 24th, the Feast of Saint John the Baptist is celebrated on June 23rd in 2022. 

June 23rd: The Nativity of St. John the Baptist

Patron of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John
of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta

Solemnity

The Bull of Pope Paschal II dated Feb 15, 1113, approved the institution of “the fraternity of The Hospital of Saint John at Jerusalem”. This was understood by those involved to be Saint John the Baptist. If one wanted a patron, one wanted a powerful one, and Saint John the Baptist was about as close to the Lord as one could get. He was the epitome of obedience, poverty, self-sacrifice,
humility, and dedication to serving others. He suffered much in guiding the people in the path of the Lord, and suffered martyrdom for his efforts: certainly a defender of the faith.

Through the intercession of our Patron, Saint John the Baptist, we pray for all those, who, in the name of the Order, bring help to the afflicted and mercifully assist their brethren in sickness, hunger, poverty, and ignorance: that God may always enlighten them, protect them, console them in adversity and grant that their works of charity may bear much fruit in his sight.

Collect

God our Father, you raised up John the Baptist to prepare a perfect people for Christ the Lord. Give your Church joy in spirit and guide those who believe in you into the way of salvation and peace. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son, Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

This information was provided by Fra’ James-Michael von Stroebel. Click here to view the complete Calendar of Liturgical Celebrations Proper to the Order.

Pictured above is St. John the Baptist Preaching, c. 1665, by Mattia Preti.