06/25/2026
Wisdom worth sharing.
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“If Freemasonry prohibits discussions on religion within a regular lodge, why do Freemasons celebrate St. John the Baptist as a Patron Saint?”
At first glance, the question appears contradictory. If our Institution seeks to avoid sectarian religious debates, why would it honor a figure so closely associated with Christianity?
The answer lies in understanding the distinction between religion as doctrine and virtue as an example.
Freemasonry is not a religion. It teaches no plan of salvation, administers no sacraments, and imposes no creed upon its members. Men of different faiths may sit together in harmony because the Craft requires only a belief in a Supreme Being and respects the individual conscience of every Brother.
When Freemasonry honors St. John the Baptist, it does not do so as a religious denomination honoring one of its saints. Rather, it honors him as a symbol of moral excellence and spiritual integrity.
St. John the Baptist was known for his unwavering commitment to truth. He was a man of courage who spoke honestly even when doing so placed his life in danger. He lived a life of simplicity, humility, and self-discipline. He stood firm in his convictions without seeking power, wealth, or personal gain.
These are virtues that transcend any single religion.
A Mason can admire St. John the Baptist in the same way that he may admire the wisdom of Confucius, the integrity of Socrates, the compassion of Buddha, or the perseverance of Rizal. The admiration is directed toward the virtue embodied by the individual, not toward the theological doctrines associated with him.
Historically, the connection between Freemasonry and the Holy Saints John—the Baptist and the Evangelist—dates back many centuries. Operative stonemasons and later speculative Freemasons adopted these noble figures as symbolic patrons because they represented the balanced life that every Mason should strive to achieve.
St. John the Baptist symbolizes zeal, moral courage, and devotion to truth.
St. John the Evangelist symbolizes wisdom, reflection, brotherly love, and spiritual enlightenment.
Together, they form a symbolic line stretching from action to contemplation, from courage to wisdom, from duty to understanding.
The Masonic Lodge itself is often symbolically dedicated to these two Saints John, not because it is a Christian institution, but because it seeks to cultivate the virtues they represent.
This distinction is important.
Freemasonry welcomes Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, and men of other faiths because the Craft does not ask a man to abandon his religion. Instead, it encourages him to become a better follower of the faith he already professes.
When a Mason participates in the celebration of St. John the Baptist, he is not engaging in sectarian worship. He is reflecting upon the timeless lessons of integrity, courage, humility, and fidelity to principle.
In truth, the celebration says more about Freemasonry than it does about St. John.
It reminds us that the Craft seeks worthy examples wherever they may be found. Freemasonry does not teach us what to believe; it teaches us how to live honorably with those whose beliefs may differ from our own.
And perhaps that is the lesson most needed in our world today.
Many people can defend their religion.
Few can practice its virtues.
Many can quote sacred texts.
Few can embody their teachings.
The real question is not why Freemasons honor St. John the Baptist.
The real question is:
If St. John stood among us today, would he recognize in us the courage to speak the truth, the humility to serve others, and the integrity to live according to our principles?
For a Mason, honoring St. John is easy.
Becoming the kind of man he symbolizes is the greater challenge.
Fraternally,
Bro. Joni Cabrera
General Llanera Masonic Lodge No. 168, F. & A.M.
Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of the Philippines
