Today, according to the Roman Martyrology, is the feast of St Dismas.
Yes, that Dismas: the good thief on the cross beside Jesus. This date, 25 March, in the early church, was the traditional date of the death of Jesus.
In those days the date of birth of most people (except perhaps royalty) was n0t recorded. However, there was a tradition that for a very significant person, their years would be “full” – that is, from conception to death, or from birth to death, the number of years would be complete – the death would occur on the same date as the conception or birth. The is symbolic rather than accurate chronology. St Augustine writes about it.
Hence, the conception of Jesus at the Annunciation of the Lord to Mary was celebrated also on 25 March.
Then, of course, the birth of Jesus was celebrated nine months later.
The Annunciation of the Lord being noted by Luke when Elizabeth was six months pregnant then gives rise to the celebration of the birth of John the Baptist on 24 June.
Today, according to the Roman Martyrology, is the feast of St Dismas.
Yes, that Dismas: the good thief on the cross beside Jesus. This date, 25 March, in the early church, was the traditional date of the death of Jesus.
In those days the date of birth of most people (except perhaps royalty) was n0t recorded. However, there was a tradition that for a very significant person, their years would be “full” – that is, from conception to death, or from birth to death, the number of years would be complete – the death would occur on the same date as the conception or birth. The is symbolic rather than accurate chronology. St Augustine writes about it.
Hence, the conception of Jesus at the Annunciation of the Lord to Mary was celebrated also on 25 March.
Then, of course, the birth of Jesus was celebrated nine months later.
The Annunciation of the Lord being noted by Luke when Elizabeth was six months pregnant then gives rise to the celebration of the birth of John the Baptist on 24 June.