His attitude toward Jesus was: “He must increase; I must decrease” (John 3:30). Repentance means more than just saying that, "you are sorry." It is not that these two Saints need to be honored based on any ancient rituals and tradition. John is not worthy even to carry his sandals. Moreover, he preached this message not only with his words, but through his actions as well. Bro. © Time and Date AS 1995–2020. But Jesus insisted, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15b). Any Blue Lodge that forgets either of these important Festival Days forfeits a precious link with the past and loses an opportunity for the renewal of allegiance to everything in Freemasonry symbolized by these Patron Saints. But making himself part of that community, he made it truly messianic. rit and fire. The greatness of John, his pivotal place in the history of salvation, is seen in the great emphasis Luke gives to the announcement of his birth and the event itself—both made prominently parallel to the same occurrences in the life of Jesus. His father Zechariah was a Temple priest of the line of Abijah, and his mother Elizabeth was also descended from Aaron. Pastoral Council & Leadership Commissions. The United Grand Lodge of England was created in 1813 on the Festival Day of the Evangelist. Baptism rituals in the Jordan River were an important part of his ministry. Hundreds of years ago, Scottish Lodges were referred to as Saint Johns' Lodges. John spent his time in the desert, an ascetic. John's clothes were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. St. John the Baptist was a stern and just man, intolerant of sham, of pretense, of weakness. With gratitude and recognition to the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Missouri. Their mothers, Mary and Elizabeth, were cousins. St. John is known as the “Forerunner” and “Baptist.” He is known as the Forerunner because he preceded Christ and taught repentance, which prepared men for Jesus’ teaching and His ministry. We may never find out if he was a member of our Fraternity, although it is highly unlikely that he was. His Baptism, he said, was for repentance. He was a man of strength and fire, uncompromising with evil or expediency, and, yet, courageous, humble, sincere, and magnanimous. Freemasonry adopted these festivals and the Christian names, but has taken away Christian dogma, and made their observance universal for all men of all beliefs. The Feast of St John (La Festa di San Giovanni) is an annual public holiday in the Italian cities of Florence, Turin, and Genoa on June 24. We diligently research and continuously update our holiday dates and information. If you find a mistake, please let us know. He began to announce the coming of the Kingdom, and to call everyone to a fundamental reformation of life. The imminent Masonic scholar, Joseph Fort Newton, wrote, "Righteousness and Love -- those two words do not fall short of telling the whole duty of a man and a Freemason." Saint Jerome wrote that Herod kept the head for a long time after, stabbing the tongue with his dagger in a demented attempt to continuously inflict punishment upon John. It is a message that was illustrated by John's daily life. His attitude toward Jesus was: “He must increase; I must decrease” (John 3:30). St. John's the Evangelist's, December 27th, symbolizes the turn of the sun's farthest journey, which is symbolic of the attainment of wisdom, the rewards of a well-spent life, and goodwill toward men. We Make Disciples. A Catholic Parish of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. When were the Holy Saints John selected as patrons of our Order? The Feast of St. John (Florence, Genoa, Turin) is a public holiday. How does the 12-hour clock system work? On June 24th, we observe the festival of summer sun and on December 27th, we observe the festival of the winter sun. St John’s Day is a public holiday in Florence, Genoa and Turin so many businesses and public offices are closed. Moreover, it is a message that underscores so many of the values that Freemasons today exalt as ideals for the living of a moral life. We may never know the truth about John's historical relationship with Freemasonry. John preached a message of repentance. His purpose was to prepare the way for Jesus. In Florence, a parade traditionally occurs at the city center, followed by fireworks over the Arno River in the evening. No other two great teachers, wise men, or saints could have been found who better exemplified through their lives and works the sublime doctrine and ageless teachings of Freemasonry. In other words, John urged his followers to literally turn around and move in a new direction, i.e., to move toward God instead of away from God. “I need to be baptized by you” (Matthew 3:14b). St John (San Giovanni) is Florence’s patron saint who was beheaded around the year 30 CE. John's ministry and life ended when he admonished Herod and his wife, Herodias, for their sinful behavior.

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