The Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist complements the Solemnity of his birth, celebrated on 24 June. John is the cousin of Jesus. He was conceived when his parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth, were elderly. Both his parents were descendants of priestly families. John’s birth took place about six months prior to that of Christ, and coincides with the Gospel episode of the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth. The liturgical celebration of his martyrdom, which occurred between 31 and 32, has ancient origins. It was already celebrated in France in the 5th century, and in Rome the following century and can be traced to the dedication of a small basilica that dates back to the 5th century where he was buried in Sabaste in Samaria. Tradition holds it was on this day that his head was found. Pope Innocent II had it later transferred to Rome to the Church of Saint Sylvester in Capite.
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