St. Anne
Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Feast Day: July 26
Biography
St. Anne (1st century BC) is traditionally identified as the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary and therefore the grandmother of Jesus Christ. Though she is not mentioned in the canonical Scriptures, her story comes from early Christian tradition, particularly the Protoevangelium of James (2nd century). According to this tradition, Anne and her husband Joachim were devout but childless for many years. After an angel appeared to each of them announcing that they would have a child, Anne conceived Mary — who would be preserved from original sin from the moment of her conception (the Immaculate Conception). Devotion to St. Anne is extremely ancient, with a church built over her supposed burial place in Jerusalem as early as the 6th century. She is particularly venerated in Brittany (France), Quebec (Canada, where the Shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is a major pilgrimage site), and throughout the Catholic world.
Patronages
Symbols
Prayer
Good St. Anne, mother of the Virgin Mary and grandmother of our Lord, intercede for me and for all grandmothers, mothers, and families. Help us to raise our children in faith, hope, and love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Asking for Intercession
Catholics ask saints to pray with us and for us, as we ask friends on earth. St. Anne, who lives in God's presence, intercedes before His throne. Speak from your heart: “St. Anne, please pray for me…” You may also pray the prayer above or include this intention in your Rosary.