In places where good old Catholic customs are kept up, massive bonfires light the night skies on the Vigil of St. John the Baptist. (That’s today!)
An impressive St. John’s Eve bonfire in France (photo credit: Michiel Hendryckx/CC BY-SA 3.0)
This lively tradition seems to go back to early Christianity, in the days when the first onslaught of persecution ended and Christians rejoiced in displaying their faith.
Bonfires reflect the historical and spiritual times in which St. John was born. The Jews waited with longing for their Messiah; the Gentiles blindly worshiped idols. The whole world was gripped in the spiritual darkness which came with the Fall. The whole world lacked God.
St. John was the first sign of spiritual spring. He came in the darkness, like a small flame, announcing the Light which was to come at last. He prepared souls for Christ’s coming, “giving testimony of the Light.”
So, with their vivid imagination and zealous devotion, the early Christians piled up wood on the eve of St. John’s feast. For centuries, the city paid for the bonfire’s expenses. A priest would bless the wood and cast the first flame onto the pile. Sometimes, a civil dignitary would light the fire and always considered it a great honor.
After the biggest fire was lit, smaller fires would flare up in response from homestead and cottage.
You can celebrate this great saint’s feast with a St. John’s Eve Bonfire too! Here’s a prayer for the head of the household to lead:
V: Our help is in the name of the Lord.
R: Who made heaven and earth.
V: The Lord be with you.
R: May He also be with you.
V: Let us pray.
Lord God, almighty Father, the light that never fails and the source of all light, sanctify (+) this new fire, and grant that after the darkness of this life we may come unsullied to You Who are light eternal; through Christ our Lord.
R: Amen.
(The fire is now blessed with holy water.)
V: There was a man sent from God.
R: Whose name was John.
V: Let us pray. God, Who by reason of the birth of blessed John have made this day praiseworthy, give Your people the grace of spiritual joy, and keep the hearts of Your faithful fixed on the way that leads to everlasting salvation; through Christ our Lord.
R: Amen.
If you don’t get around to lighting a full scale bonfire, light a candle to honor St. John the Baptist. Our St. Catherine of Siena “World on Fire” candle displays a message, inspired by St. Catherine, that is very fitting for the feast of St. John—“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” Let these two saints inspire you to be all God is calling you to be! Order your candle today at The Catholic Company!
