Hey there,
Have you noticed how elaborate birthday parties have become?
There’s the theme on the invitations, the cake, the food, the games, the decor.
It’s often held at some type of event venue.
Even some adults get in on the birthday hubbub. I see people posting on Facebook about their “birthday week.”
We’ve not always put so much emphasis on birthday celebrations. But there are 3 birthdays that the Catholic Church celebrates: Jesus on December 25th (duh!), Mary on September 8th, and John the Baptist on June 24th — tomorrow.
We all know why Jesus’ birth is so important. But why the emphasis on Mary and John the Baptist? Why not also celebrate the birth of Saint Peter, our first Pope? Or other Saints?
Usually we celebrate Saints’ Feast Days on the anniversary of their death … because that’s the beginning of their afterlife. And the Church does recognize the deaths of Jesus (duh!), Mary, and John the Baptist. But why these other 2 births?
This issue of Genuflect uncovers the significance of the Nativities celebrated in the Catholic Church, including John the Baptist and Mary; a unique and ancient way to celebrate John the Baptist’s birth; the doctrine of Original Sin; the history of birthday parties; and ideas for celebrating a birthday Catholic style.
So don’t hold back. Go all out tomorrow in celebrating the birthday of John the Baptist.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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3 Births we Celebrate
We celebrate most Saints on the day of their death. Because that’s when they began their eternal life. There are 3 exceptions though. You know Jesus is one of them, but do you know the other two? Here’s what you need to know.
These Are The Only 3 Birthdays Celebrated on The Liturgical Calendar | Aleteia
John The Baptist’s Birth
Last year Genuflect covered The Feast of the Nativity of John the Baptist. There’s lots of great information here … if nothing else, you won’t want to miss the videos from Godspell. Enjoy!
Follow John The Baptist’s Lead to Jesus Christ | Genuflect
Build a Bonfire Tonight
Tomorrow, June 24th, is the Feast of the Nativity of John the Baptist. Sam Guzman recommends we build a bonfire tonight on the vigil. It’s an ancient tradition of the church and he even provides us with a prayer for the special fire.
Build a Bonfire for the Nativity of St. John the Baptist | The Catholic Gentleman
The Nativity of Mary
We also celebrate the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary. That will be coming up on September 8th. Here’s a quick history of the Feast Day and why we celebrate Mary’s birth.
The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary | Learn Religions
The Church of The Nativity
Jesus Christ is the other birth the Church celebrates, but you already knew that. Did you know that there is a church built on the spot where Jesus was believed to have been born in Bethlehem? Ruling parties have come and gone, but the Church of the Nativity that was originally built in 399 on Saint Helena’s orders, has withstood the test of time.
The Church That Stands at The Spot of Christ’s Birth | The Catholic World Report
The Doctrine of Original Sin
Mary and Jesus were born without Original sin. Some believe that John the Baptist was also born without Original Sin. But what does this really mean? Original sin is a complex doctrine that has been misunderstood at times. Here’s a breakdown of the 7 claims of Original sin and what they mean.
Original Sin: Clarifying Ideas and Avoiding Misconceptions | Catholic Stand
The History of The Birthday Party
We haven’t always celebrated birthdays. And we haven’t always celebrated the way we do now. Here are 7 developments that have contributed to today’s traditions.
This Is Why You Get To Celebrate Your Birthday Every Year | Huffington Post
Catholic Birthday Party Themes
If you’d like to get out of the birthday party rat race and inject some Catholicism into your child’s next birthday party, check out these 3 great ideas from Amy Brooks.
Catholic Birthday Party Themes You Will Love | Prayer Wine Chocolate
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