Learn EVERYTHING about São João – The Origin of Festa Junina

São João always has a remarkable celebration in the June festivals throughout Brazil. Celebrated on June 24, the saint played a very important role in the beginning of Jesus’ mission, in addition to being one of the great biblical prophets and most recognized martyrs of Catholicism. Let’s get to know a little more about the rich history of this Christian symbol? See now all about São João!

The story of Saint John

For those of you who want to know everything about Saint John, you need to understand that this Saint has a very important role in the New Testament. John the Baptist was the one who baptized Jesus Christ and had his head put to the test of the power of the time.

His mother, Santa Isabel, was already very old without ever having been pregnant. Therefore, she was considered sterile by the society of the time. Then the angel Gabriel appeared to her husband Zechariah, announcing that she would have a son and her name should be John. But Zechariah did not believe the divine warning. Therefore, he remained mute and shortly afterwards Isabel became pregnant, as promised.

This all happened at the same time that the same angel appeared to Mary and indicated that she would soon conceive of the Holy Spirit for the coming birth of Jesus Christ, as we all already know. And this helps to understand everything about Saint John.

At the moment when the cousins ​​met on a visit of Mary to Elizabeth, João moved his mother’s womb, who greeted his cousin with the famous part of the Hail Mary prayer: “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your belly”.

I understand everything about Saint John

Already in adulthood, Saint John the Baptist realized that his days were numbered when he went to live in the desert to pray. There, he made sacrifices and preached for the repentance of the sins of his followers. He lived in extreme hardship and much prayer. He came to be known as a prophet, a man sent by God. This fame was increased by the fact that he gathered multitudes in announcing the coming of the Messiah and baptizing all who heard him in the waters of the Jordan River.

And not a few thought he was the Messiah, but he announced that he was yet to come. When Jesus wanted to be baptized by Saint John the Baptist, he declined, but the Messiah confirmed his desire, was baptized in the waters of the Jordan River and thus began his public life of preaching.

In his sermons, St. John the Baptist criticized the local king, Herod Antipas. He denounced his adulterous life, who had married his sister-in-law Herodias and his unruly government.

Behold, one day the king was dazzled when Herodias’ daughter Salome danced for him at an event. He promised her that he would give her whatever she asked for. Salome spoke to her mother and asked for the head of Saint John the Baptist on a platter. Even sad and upset, he fulfilled his promise in front of the guests of that event and so Saint John the Baptist was killed. He then became the first martyr of the Church and the last of the prophets. And so you are on your way to knowing everything about Saint John.

Devotion in the Story of Saint John

Saint John the Baptist is celebrated as the first martyr and the last of the prophets of the Church from its very beginnings. Prophet, saint, martyr, and forerunner of the Messiah, as well as a preacher of the truth, though the price was too high for it. His day is the 24th of June and he is always represented baptizing Jesus and holding a cross-shaped staff.

It represents the truth and the coming of Jesus Christ as it had always been predicted and prophesied in the holy books. When one is baptized, the first allusion is to Saint John the Baptist, who practiced the first of the sacraments in the waters of the Jordan River.

He is the voice that cried out in the desert, against everything and everyone, always for the good, the truth and the promised Messiah. And that’s all about St. John you need to know to understand why he was so devoted to God.

Celebrations and all about Saint John

The celebrations that refer to São João Batista are on the calendar of June festivals, when the trajectories of Santo Antônio and São Pedro are also remembered. And this complements the story of Saint John.

The day chosen to remember the trajectory of those who were born by a miracle and died by a prophecy is June 24th, being then the penultimate of the saints to be remembered amid typical dishes, festivities and bonfires. Saint Anthony is celebrated on the 13th and Saint Peter on the 29th.

The June festivals refer to European pagan celebrations, even before the Christian era. Over time, the Catholic Church decided to incorporate a strategic month, European summer, to its calendar, to celebrate three of the main saints of its devotion. With that, she brought Christianity to the center of the year, in a typical party that gained a lot of tradition in Brazil.

Prayer to Saint John

Among the many prayers to Saint John the Baptist, the one that follows is the most appropriate for asking for intercession through the right paths, begging for the voice that cries in the desert to echo in our souls. After all, sometimes we almost deviate from the right paths amid so many difficulties and setbacks, don’t we? Taking advantage of the fact that you now know everything about Saint John, see how to ask for help and take the example of Saint John the Baptist, inspire, have faith and pray:

“Saint John the Baptist, a voice crying in the wilderness, make the ways of the Lord straight, do repentance, for there is one among you who you do not know, whose sandal laces I am not worthy to untie. Help me to do penance for my faults, so that I may become worthy of the forgiveness of the one you announced in these words: Behold the Lamb of God, behold he who takes away the sin of the world. Saint John the Baptist, pray for us. Amen.”

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