Do you know or have heard about São João? Want to know more about Saint John? Do you want to know what his teachings were for Christians? So come with us and we’ll talk about it below in the post.
Who was Saint John?
São João is the name we have to give to the patron saint of Boa Viagem. He was considered a saint around the year 400 and was perhaps a very ancient figure. Saint John was a poor man who had to make a long journey to the Fiji Islands, where he received the grace of victory against the pagans. After his death, his followers saw in his ashes the flames of the bonfire where he had been cremated and believed that he was alive and continued to protect his faithful.
It is possible that the name Saint John is derived from the Greek word Santi(o)os, which means “saint”.
Importance of Saint John for the Roman Catholic Apostolic Church
Saint John is celebrated in the month of June, where the church decorates itself and celebrates its blessings and intercessions to God the Almighty Father.
Saint John's Day is one of the most important days in the Catholic Church. It is a day whose main manifestation is the celebration of the holy sacrament.
Currently, Saint John has been a great example for the faithful of how they should be in relation to God and people who need some assistance, whether financial, psychological or Catholic.
Teachings of Saint John
1. Saint John is the patron saint of children and adolescents.
2. He was considered the most beloved saint by the Portuguese.
3. Saint John’s name means “Lord of Tabernacles”.
4. The feast of Saint John is celebrated in June.
5. It is traditional for parents to surprise children on the feast of Saint John.
Saint John's festival
Curiosities about São João
On June 25th, the date of the Saint, the end of the rainy season and the arrival of summer are celebrated throughout Brazil. Therefore, it is natural that the residents of São João do Pará, more especially the poor, held a special party to celebrate the saint. The party begins in the morning, when the poor come asking the owners of the mansions to serve food for their families. The owners of the houses usually deliver a bowl of soup and a piece of cake to each visitor. The residents then take the pans and utensils needed for the party.
Currently the party is held in several regions of Brazil, mainly in the South and Southeast in the form of a June festival, with flags, typical food and square dancing. Furthermore, fireworks and balloons are quite common.
Some believers even raise money to help the nobles.
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