FINDING OF OUR PATRON'S HOLY HEAD

Today is the (uncelebrated) third feast of our Patron, of the finding in Jerusalem of the Head of Saint John the Baptist, Precursor of the Lord. As the Martyrology puts it, "the first finding".

Those who often think they are sophisticated and choose to mock the many pious traditions surrounding the Baptist, his double feasts in the Church's calendar, his three or four heads preserved around the world, may wish to pause and reflect how this is no more that a reflection of his great significance in the history of Salvation, and the large place he plays in the devotional life of the Church throughout the Ages. These very traditions are the testimony and guarantee of the efficacy of John's care and intercession for us.

May Saint John the Baptist, our daily companion in our spiritual warfare, accompany us all, Knights Dames and Companions of the Order, this holy season of Lent.

That Christ may increase, and we decrease.

St John the Baptist, pray for us.