Novena of the Week: In Honor of St. John the Baptist

On Saturday, we will commemorate the Beheading of John the Baptist. The forerunner of Christ, Saint John was sanctified in his mother's womb at the time of the Visitation of Saint Mary to Saint Elizabeth. Yet even though he was freed from Original Sin before his birth, he spent his life in penance and mortification, providing an example for others and preparing their hearts for the coming of Christ.

He paid a heavy price for his faithfulness—martyrdom at the order of Herod. And yet that heavy price purchased a great reward in Heaven.

And so this week I have chosen a Prayer in Honor of St. John the Baptist as our novena for the week. Through his intercession, may we all have the courage to follow his example.