Novena to St. Joachim and St. Anne
Feast Day 26th July
Grandparents are invited to join in prayerful preparation for the celebration of the Memorial Day of St Joachim and St Anne, parents of Mary, grandparents of Jesus, by praying this Novena.
SS Joachim and Anne were the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the grandparents of the Lord. They remind us that the Word truly became flesh in a particular family. Our devotion to them is an extension of our love of Mary and her Divine Son.
The Catholic Grandparents Association hopes that, in future, a World Day of Prayer for Grandparents will be established on July 26 within the Universal Church.
Each day we will think about a different aspect of our lives as grandparents and grandchildren, and we will pray one “Our Father”, one “Hail Mary”, one “Glory Be”, and the Pope Benedict 16th Prayer. We conclude each day asking for the intercession of St Joachim and St Anne.
Day 1. July 17. Today we pray for the Universal Church.
For Pope Francis, bishops, priests, deacons, religious and laity.
For vocations.
That the vocation of a grandparent to pass on the faith is recognised and honoured by all.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be . . . Pope’s Prayer for Grandparents. St Joachim and St Anne pray for us.
Day 2. July 18. Today we pray for our Families.
That our homes become places of prayer and centres of spiritual formation.
For the healing of divisions and misunderstanding.
That our homes reflect our lives of faith and hope and love in our use of religious symbols.
Help us to make our family homes domestic churches full or prayer, love and joy.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be . . . Pope’s Prayer for Grandparents. St Joachim and St Anne pray for us.
Day 3. July 19. Today we pray for our grandparents alive and dead.
In thanksgiving for what they have done for us and continue to do – in handing down to us the precious gift of our Faith.
That they may be encouraged by our recognition and valued in themselves and have good health.
That they have courage and continue to grow in their spiritual lives and are rewarded for their faithfulness.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be . . . Pope’s Prayer for Grandparents. St Joachim and St Anne pray for us.
Day 4. July 20. Today we pray for ourselves.
As role models and evangelisers that we deepen our personal lives of faith, by prayer and the sacraments.
Help us live with undivided hearts.
Do not let us become distracted or discouraged from our mission.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be . . . Pope’s Prayer for Grandparents. St Joachim and St Anne pray for us.
Day 5. July 21. Today we pray for our educators/leaders.
Our teachers and everyone who has helped us in any way to bring us to this point in our lives.
Pray for people of faith and no faith that they come to know the loving peace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Our Governments, that the Holy Spirit will enrich them so that their decisions are wise and will breed peace and good will in our communities.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be . . . Pope’s Prayer for Grandparents. St Joachim and St Anne pray for us.
Day 6. July 22. Today we pray for our elderly.
For our frail elderly, that they may have peace of mind and always receive tender loving care.
For those who are depressed/lonely/bereaved, that they may find comfort, and know they are loved.
All those who care for the elderly and sick – give them hands to serve and hearts to love.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be . . . Pope’s Prayer for Grandparents. St Joachim and St Anne prayer for us.
Day 7. July 23. Today we pray for our grandchildren.
Particularly those who need special care, and for those made anxious by society today.
Those who are separated from us for whatever reason.
That all our children may receive the sacraments.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be . . . Pope’s Prayer for Grandparents. St Joachim and St Anne pray for us.
Day 8. July 24. Today we pray for our own special intentions.
Your own/family/friends/neighbours . . . intentions.
For any hurt or injury that we have caused that we may forgive and be forgiven.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be . . . Pope’s Prayer for Grandparents. St Joachim and St Anne pray for us.
Day 9. July 25. Today we pray for our deceased.
Parents/children/families and all the dead who have no one left to pray for them.
Our grandparents who have helped us in so many ways and continue to do so with love.
We give thanks for all the Graces, Blessings and Love. We thank God for the gift of our faith that has sustained us in times of joy and sorrow throughout our lives. We pray that we will have the strength and courage to pass our faith to our children and grandchildren.
We pray that July 26 will become a “World Day of Prayer” for grandparents.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be . . . Pope’s Prayer for Grandparents. St Joachim and St Anne pray for us.
Tomorrow, July 26, is the Memorial Day of St Joachim and St Anne, parents of Mary, Grandparents of Jesus – may they bless you all the days of your lives.
Pray for us.
Amen.
