June 24, 2025

Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist – Jesus said of John: “No one born of woman is greater than John (Matthew 11:11).

Almighty God, by whose providence your servant John the Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of your Son our Savior by the preaching of repentance: lead us to repent according to his preaching and, after his example, constantly to speak the truth, boldly to rebuke vice, and patiently to suffer for the truth's sake; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, now and forever. Amen.

Daily Thought from the Saints

"Christ is my Spouse. He chose me first and His I will be. He made my soul beautiful with the jewels of grace and virtue. I belong to Him whom the angels serve."

— St. Agnes

Daily Scripture Verse

"But without faith it is impossible to please him, for anyone who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."

Hebrews 11:6

Daily Meditation

"Habits are being formed here under the pressure of temptation and difficulty that unfold in perfect form and beauty when the soul that has developed these habits passes into its true home. Those very temptations that made it so difficult to persevere were really the means of developing these powers. The spirit of prayer and worship grew on; hampered and oppressed by the distractions of life, it fought its way in spite of them and thus gained strength; then, when all these were removed, it opened out unhindered in its perfect growth. Now, there is one fundamental principle of the spiritual life that has to be learned and practiced here, mostly with suffering, often with the very keenest suffering, although so closely associated with it that it almost seems a necessary part of it, is indeed only accidental, and one day will altogether cease, while the grace that has been fought for and developed in so much agony will live on forever, and be the delight of the soul through eternity."

— Fr. Basil Maturin

Daily Catholic Wisdom

The Church observes the birth of John as a hallowed event. We have no such commemoration for any other fathers but, it is significant, that we celebrate the birthdays of John and of Jesus (and Mary). This day cannot be passed by.

—St. Augustine

A Prayer from Notre Dame University

​Rev. LeRoy E. Clementich, C.S.C. +

O Lord God, we are introduced for the first time to the one who will become the predecessor of Jesus the Savior, the great John the Baptist. Jesus will later describe him as the one who will introduce the kingdom of God to Israel and suffer death for his fiery speech. Help us in turn to speak truthfully and forcefully, as John did, for the truths in which we believe. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.