The Knights of St. John International and their Ladies’ Auxiliary in Ghana will begin a novena to their patron saint, Saint John the Baptist this Saturday 15th June, 2024 to Sunday 23rd June, 2024.
The Novena is in preparation towards their feast day celebration on the 24th of June,2024.
Novena is derived from the Latin word novem, meaning nine.
A novena is a nine day period of private or public prayer to obtain special graces, to implore special favors, or make special petitions.
As the definition suggests, novena has always had more of a sense of urgency and neediness.
The Knights of St. John international and Ladies’ Auxiliary will have the Novena with series of reflections from scriptural passages, prayers and hymns.
Only three birthdays are celebrated on the Catholic Church’s liturgical calendar every year, the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ (December 25), the Nativity of His Mother (September 8), and the Nativity of His forerunner, John the Baptist, on June 24.
John’s parents were Zachariah and Elizabeth.
His birthday or his nativity is celebrated on the 24th of June every year and the anniversary of his death is 29th of August.
John began public ministry around 30 AD, and was known for attracting large crowds across the province of Judaea and around the Jordan River.
When Jesus came to him to be baptized, John recognized him and said, “It is I who need baptism from you.”
Jesus told John to baptize Him anyway, which he did, whereupon the heavens opened, and the Spirit of God was seen like a dove.
The voice of God spoke, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
John instructed his followers to turn to Christ, calling Him the “Lamb of God” and these people were among the first Christians.
Following his baptism of Christ, John’s popularity grew so much that he alarmed King Herod. Herod ordered him arrested and imprisoned.
John spoke with Herod on several occasions and condemned his marriage to his half-brother’s wife.
This condemnation would be his downfall as King Herod promised to grant a wish to his daughter
In revenge for John the Baptist’s condemnation of her mother’s scandalous marriage to Herod, she asked for John’s head. King Herod reluctantly obliged. John the Baptist died sometime between 33 and 36 AD.
The Knights of St. John International, accompanied by their Ladies’ Auxiliary, represent a devout community of Catholics committed to both spiritual and charitable endeavors. Rooted in a tradition of service and faith, they honor their patron saint, Saint John the Baptist, with fervent prayers and acts of devotion.
Through their collective efforts, they embody the principles of chivalry and compassion, seeking to emulate the virtues exemplified by their patron.
