Saints Anne and Joachim, pray for us!

7/26/25

Today is the Feast Day of Saint Anne and Saint Joachim, parents of our Blessed Mother Mary. They nurtured Mary and taught her how to listen and respond to God's request with faith:  "Let it be done to me according to Your Word."

I recall making a pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Basilica of Saint Anne de Beaupre in Quebec, Canada where there is a beautiful image of Saint Joachim, Saint Anne and the child Mary, as well as relics of Saint Anne. It was such a special grace to pray at her relics. Devotion to her was at the beginning of this prayer ministry. The Novena to Saint Anne had a powerful impact on the pregnancy and birth of Lily Grace because our family, our parish community and beyond were praying the Novena to Saint Anne that this precious baby would have abundant life. She is eighteen years old now. Her life is the fruit of prayer. The prayers were answered in the gift of this child who brings love and joy to everyone she meets.

"Joachim and Ann, how blessed and spotless a couple! You will be known by the fruit you have born, as the Lord says: By their fruits you will know them. The conduct of your life pleased God and was worthy of your daughter. For by the chaste and holy life you led together, you have fashioned a jewel of virginity: she who remained a virgin before, during and after giving birth. She alone for all time would maintain her virginity in mind and soul as well as in body." Saint John Damascene, Early Church Father and Doctor of the Church

Their example of faith gave Mary the courage to stand at the Foot of the Cross as her Beloved Son was crucified. They are examples and models for all parents, grandparents and for all married couples. Their heroism and holiness set the atmosphere for Mary.

Through the Word of God, Mary developed a strong virtuous character which helped her make prudent decisions, have a continuous practice of prayer, devotion to the laws of her faith, steadiness in moments of crisis, and devotion to her relatives.

Saint Anne is the patron saint of mothers, grandmothers and pregnant women.

Good Saint Anne, mother of her who is our life, our sweetness and our hope, pray to her for us and obtain our request.  Good Saint Anne, pray for us.  Jesus, Mary, Anne. Good Saint Anne and Saint Joachim, pray for us and for all those for whom we pray.