Statues of Mary and Elizabeth at Ein Karem, the Jerusalem neighborhood which, tradition holds, inspired by St. Helena, is John’s birthplace. I took it on a St John Chrysostom Church (Rancho Santa Margarita) pilgrimage in 2009.
Almighty God, by whose providence your servant John the Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of your Son our Savior by preaching repentance: Make us so to follow his teaching and holy life, that we may truly repent according to his preaching; and, following his example, constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently suffer for the truth’s sake; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
— Book of Common Prayer