St. John the Baptist is the patron saint of St. John’s School, Marhauli, Varanasi. John the Baptist was born in 7 B.C. His father was a priest and his mother was related to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Thus, John and Jesus may have been cousins.
John the Baptist was dedicated to God from his birth. When he grew up he knew that God had called him for a special task. He went out to live a hard and strict life in the desert. About 28 A.D., he began his ministry at a fort in the river Jordan which travellers had to cross. There he preached, calling the people to repentance. He proclaimed that he was a messenger, a herald preparing the way for Jesus, the Redeemer. When Jesus was baptised in the river Jordan, John was glad, for he saw that his preaching would be fulfilled.
He openly condemned Herod, the king at that time, for divorcing his wife and marrying his brother's wife named Herodias. Herod already afraid of the popular prophet, had thrown John into prison and there to please Herodias, had him beheaded. His feast is celebrated on 24th June.
The feast will be celebrated in the school on second Saturday of July.