Saint Anne & Saint Joachim Novena

The lives of Jesus’ grandparents—Saints Anne and Joachim—remind us all of a basic truth: persistence in prayer and the patient endurance of sorrows always bears spiritual fruit.

Although Scripture is silent about the grandparents of Jesus, tradition tells us that Saints Anne and Joachim were married for many years before God blessed them with a child. During those years, they fasted, prayed and wept, mourning the child that would not come.

They never gave up, though, and finally, when both were well past normal child-bearing age, God gave them their miracle: the Blessed Virgin Mary. When that child came into the world, Saints Anne and Joachim saw an even more wondrous answer to their prayers. Not just a grandchild, but a Savior Who was God Himself, Jesus Christ.

On July 26, the Church will honor these holy grandparents for their prayers, their trust, and most of all for the foundation of faith they laid in the Blessed Virgin Mary’s life. Along with the Dominican Friars, I invite you to celebrate this important feast with a special Novena of Masses at the Rosary Shrine of Saint Jude, beginning on July 18 and concluding on July 26.

If you have someone for whom you have persistently prayed and who you would like included in this Novena of Masses, please state their name on the prayer intention form below. Thank you for your faithful support of the Rosary Shrine of Saint Jude. Your gift of $5 or more provides the resources the Dominican Friars need to continue our efforts throughout the world.

Finally, if you would like to enter more deeply into the spirit of this novena—you might enjoy the following prayers: Prayers to Saint Anne, A Grandparent’s Prayer, and a Prayer for Parents.

May Saint Anne and Saint Joachim inspire you in your own life of faithful prayer. Please continue to pray for our work, and be assured of our prayers.

If you would like to submit your prayer intentions for the Saint Anne & Saint Joachim Novena, please fill out the donation form below.