Information
Sts Joachim and Anne - their names are found in the Protoevangelium of St. James from the second century. St. Anne started to be honoured as the Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary around the sixth century. Her feast day is now combined with the father of Mary, St Joachim. St. Joachim started to be honoured as the father of the Blessed Virgin Mary around the eighth century.
Pope Benedict's PRAYER FOR GRANDPARENTS (officially presented at Knock in 2008)
Lord Jesus, you were born of the Virgin Mary, the daughter of Saints Joachim and Anne. Look with love on grandparents the world over. Protect them! They are a source of enrichment for families, for the Church and for all of society. Support them! As they grow older, may they continue to be for their families strong pillars of Gospel faith, guardian of noble domestic ideals, living treasuries of sound religious traditions. Make them teachers of wisdom and courage, that they may pass on to future generations the fruits of their mature human and spiritual experience.
Lord Jesus, help families and society to value the presence and roles of grandparents. May they never be ignored or excluded, but always encounter respect and love. Help them to live serenely and to feel welcomed in all the years of life which you give them. Mary, Mother of all the living, keep grandparents constantly in your care, accompany them on their earthly pilgrimage, and by your prayers, grant that all families may one day be reunited in our heavenly homeland, where you await all humanity for the great embrace of life without end. Amen!
|