Novena to Sts. Joachim and Anne for Parents and Grandparents

Novena to Sts. Joachim and Anne for Parents and Grandparents

Dear Mother and Father of the Blessed Virgin Mary

As parents you guided and nurtured Mary and watched her grow in holiness under your protection and love.  Through your faithfulness and goodness the Will of God was fulfilled.  The fruits of your virtue and faith have brought salvation to the whole world with the birth of baby Jesus.  The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us(John 1:14).  

Most Holy Sts. Joachim and Anne come close to us and guide our hand and our hearts in the way of virtue.  Help us to parent our children and grandchildren with a gentle heart as you had.  Show us how to raise our children in faith and bring our families into the Light of Jesus. May you remain close to us and help us on this journey to salvation. We place our petitions in your hands and ask that you lay them before the child Jesus. Amen
(say 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary, 1 Glory Be for nine days)

Background

Joachim and Anne are the parents of Mary the mother of Jesus.  They were both members of the tribe of Judah.  Little is known about their life.  They were childless for many years and prayed fervently, promising to give their first born child to the service of the Lord.  They were blessed with a baby girl which they named Miriam or Mary.  St. Anne is the patron saint of mothers, grandmothers and women in labor. St Joachim is the patron saint of fathers and grandfathers. Their feast day is July 26th.