On September 23rd, we celebrate the conception of John the Baptist. St. John’s parents, Elizabeth and Zechariah, are a faithful couple who ask God for a child but cannot conceive. They are also elderly. The angel of the Lord comes to Zechariah and tells him they will have a son, whose name will be called John. He will be great in the sight of the Lord. This news is so surprising that Zechariah is struck dumb.