The Roman Catholic Church will commemorate on Saturday, Nov. 5, the memorial of Saints Zachariah and Elizabeth (Zacarias and Isabel), the parents of Saint John the Baptist, the last and the greatest of the prophets.

Considered by the Church as a deeply religious and righteous couple who “walked in all the commandments of the Lord,” they were blessed with a child who was to be the forerunner of Jesus Christ. They had John the Baptist in their old age through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit as part of His divine plan.

St. Zachariah was a holy prophet and a priest in the temple of Jerusalem. He received a vision from an angel and was rendered mute until the birth of St. John. He prophesied about his son being the precursor of Christ.

St. Elizabeth was a cousin of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the sister of another holy woman, St. Anna. Known to be barren, she gave birth when she was already advanced in years. The second phrase in the Hail Mary, “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb” was recited by St. Elizabeth and is mentioned fifty-three times when one prays the holy rosary.

According to stories, St. Zachariah was killed by the soldiers of King Herod while he was at the temple, while St. Elizabeth died forty days after.