The Vigil of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, celebrated on June 23, is a significant feast in the Christian liturgical calendar. It commemorates the birth of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, who prepared the way for Jesus’ ministry. The vigil marks a time of prayer, reflection, and anticipation as the faithful prepare to celebrate John’s birth. Liturgical services often include the chanting of hymns, scriptural readings, and the lighting of candles, symbolizing the coming of the “light” through John. This vigil emphasizes both the holiness of John and his pivotal role in salvation history.
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has decreed that this is a Holy Day of Solemnity to be observed in Canada.