The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist Is The Very Definition of a Southern Gem
The Feast Day of St. John the Baptist is June 24th, so you know what that means...
...It is time to make a pilgrimage!
What makes St. John the Baptist pilgrimage worthy? We are glad you asked:
St. John the Baptist holds a unique place in the life of the Church as the forerunner of Christ. He was born to Zechariah and Elizabeth, the latter of whom is the cousin of Mary, and was filled with the Holy Spirit even before his birth. His mission was clear: to prepare the way for the Messiah. He preached a message of repentance, baptized people in the Jordan River, and famously baptized Jesus Himself, marking the beginning of Christ’s public ministry.
John lived a simple life in the wilderness, wearing camel’s hair and surviving on locusts and wild honey. He spoke boldly against sin, even confronting King Herod for his unlawful marriage, which eventually led to John’s martyrdom by beheading.
Can we all agree that he is MORE than pilgrimage worthy?
Good?
Good! Let's go:
Welcome to the jaw-dropping Cathedral of St. John the Baptist!
Tucked away in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina, the current Cathedral of St. John the Baptist was completed in 1907 and features many classic Gothic Revival touches, a la a spire, bell tower, and dramatic arches.
While the architecture is stunning enough, the interior is also a work of art, thanks to its large stained glass windows, massive cathedral doors, and larger-than-life organ.
Mass at St. John the Baptist is celebrated Monday to Friday at 12:05 p.m., Saturday at 5:30 p.m., and Sunday at 9 a.m., 11:15 a.m., and 6:30 p.m. (Spanish).
Depending on when you visit, you may even get to partake in one of the Cathedral's special events, including feast day parties, lectures, community meals, and more.
To learn more about the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, please visit their website.