Prayer to St. Anne And Joachim

Today is Saint Anne and Joachim's feast day. They were the parents of the Virgin Mary and the grandparents of Jesus. Together they raised Mary, the Mother of God, they nurtured, taught, and loved her. They are both model parents and grandparents.

"It was their example of parenting that Mary must have followed as she brought up her own son, Jesus. It was their faith that laid the foundation of courage and strength that allowed her to stand by the cross as her son was crucified and still believe." 

Saint Anne and Joachim struggled with infertility, but an Angel appeared to them, as said to them: “Fear not… a daughter will be born unto you, who shall be called Mary, and shall be blessed above all women.”

"Joachim and Anne, how blessed a couple! All creation is indebted to you. For at your hands the Creator was offered a gift excelling all other gifts: a chaste mother, who alone was worthy of him.

Joachim and Anne, how blessed and spotless a couple! You will be known by the fruit you have borne, 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 along for all time would maintain her virginity in mind and soul as well as in body.

Joachim and Anne, how chaste a couple! While leading a devout and holy life in your human nature, you gave birth to a daughter nobler than the angels, whose queen she now is."

-From a sermon by Saint John Damascene.

Now Let us pray to these two great Saints:

Prayer to St. Anne and St. Joachim

Dear Saint Anne and Saint Joachim, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and grandparents of Jesus, our Divine Savior, have pity on thy loving and trusting client and listen to the petition which I present before thee.

Oh, blessed Saints, thou art both most dear to the Heart of Jesus, Whose beloved Mother was thy own tender, devoted child! Can He refuse anything to thee, in whose veins the same blood flowed which afterwards furnished the precious price of our Redemption? Great Saints, nothing was impossible to thy power and influence over the young Jesus "Who grew and waxed strong, full of wisdom" under the maternal care of thy glorious Daughter, the Queen of Heaven and Earth. In mercy and compassion, be like unto Him "Who went about doing good," and come to the aid of thy servant in my great necessity!

Saint Anne, Saint Joachim, beloved parents of Mary, "our life, our sweetness and our hope," pray to her for me and obtain my request. 

Amen.

Ta, Ta For Now!