St. John the Baptist was part of the extended family of Jesus and proclaimed the coming of the Messiah. He baptised Jesus in the River Jordan. He was later beheaded by Herod Antipas.
June 24 is the Feast of the Nativity of John the Baptist. It is a public holiday in the Province of Quebec. See the explanation at Franciscan Media.
The Life of St. John the Baptist from “The Lives of the Saints and Several Lectures and Sermons” compiled and translated by St. Sebastian Dabovich
Saint John the Baptist, Patron Saint of Conversion by Whitney Hopler in Learn Religions
Pope Francis on St. John the Baptist
Pope’s Morning Homily: St. John the Baptist Prepared Way for Christ With His Life & Witness February 7, 2020
Angelus Address On Feast of St John the Baptist’s Birth, Pope Reminds ‘Nothing Is Impossible for God’ Zenit.org June 24, 2018
Pope: Announce Christ Like John the Baptist The Holy Father reflected on the prophet’s witness on the feast of his birthday. National Catholic Register June 24, 2014.
Prayer to St. John the Baptist from My Pope
Oh God, you gave St. Elizabeth, in her old age, the gift of a son, St. John the Baptist, who would prepare the way for Jesus to begin His ministry here on earth.
Lord, Fill Your people with the joy of possessing graces like those of Saint John the Baptist, and direct the minds of all us in the way of salvation and peace. St. John was martyred for truth and justice, so may we Dear God, energetically profess our Faith in You, and help us to lead others to Your Way, Your Truth, and Your Eternal Life. Amen.
Art featuring John the Baptist
Visio Divina: Imagining Christ’s Baptism BeaDisciple.com
Images from Wikimedia John the Baptist
Interpretation of this work can be found at Objective Art