Although tomorrow is the the Nativity of John The Baptist- a double first class Solemnity – today is the Vigil of same and it is replete with many Catholic traditions requiring wider restoration
The Vespers of the Vigil of the Solemnity is also resident within the new Rite’s Breviary of the Liturgy of the Hours of the Divine Office
It is said that only the “predestined” had solemnities for their births – The true and only Son of God – The Mother Of God and the forerunner of God – Saint John the Baptist whose beheading is also celebrated with much fanfare in his martyrdom
The Blessing of the Bonfires | Instaurare Omnia in Christo –
http://angeluspress.org/blog/the-blessing-of-the-bonfires/
23 June – Vigil of St. John – bonfires and witch burnings, solstices and snails | Fr. Z’s Blog
Following the longest day of the year and before the light upon the earth begins to wane – The light of the power of the Incarnation through the Son of God and the coming of his forerunner John The Baptist begins to wax brighter the light that comes into the world, as it was written, in 1 John 1
6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7This man came for a witness, to give testimony of the light, that all men might believe through him. 8He was not the light, but was to give testimony of the light. 9That was the true light, which enlighteneth every man that cometh into this world. 10He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12But as many as received him, he gave them power to be made the sons of God, to them that believe in his name. 13Who are born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we saw his glory, the glory as it were of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth
Regardless of whether we can access a traditional vigil Mass or not we then gather around a family or community made fire,,,,bless it with Holy water and have the burning of old and unneeded and broken things…. to Outdoor Vespers – Reading Of Summer Opening Poems –and the chants or reciting by the head of the household the Ut Queant Laxis –
St. John the Baptist: Ut Queant Laxis – YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tmLARdqaIo
Ut queant laxis. Himno a San Juan Bautista. – YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SugtS3tqsoo
The Chants of Le Barroux
