Novena to St Anne – Day Six – 22 July
Reflections by:
By Fr Daniel A Lord, SJ
SIXTH DAY:
Who can describe the joy that came to the house of Anne and Joachim with the coming of Mary? Never had a sweeter baby smiled into a mother’s face.
Never had a more obedient child grown up to bring happiness to a household.
Her first spoken words were music in their ears.
Her first conscious kiss was a blessing and the sweet mark of her gratitude to her parents.
She listened avidly to Anne’s telling of the story of God’s dealings with His people. From Anne she heard for the first time about the Saviour who was to be born. From Anne she learned the gentle arts that she was later to use as Mother of the Son of God. It was from Anne she learned the dignity of a woman’s work.
Now there was laughter in the house, the happy young laughter of a sinless child. The hearts of Anne and Joachim echoed to that laughter in delight and with a sense of gracious fulfilment.
God had been slow to answer their prayers; His answer had come in measure far beyond their fondest hopes. In God’s Providence did they put their trust and their trust was not in vain.
To this model set before the child Mary we pray:
Daily Prayer:
O glorious St Anne,
you are filled with compassion
for those who invoke you
and with love for those who suffer!
Heavily burdened with the weight of my troubles,
I cast myself at your feet and humbly beg of you
to take the present intention
which I recommend to you in your special care.
…………………(make your intention)
Please recommend it to your daughter,
the Blessed Virgin Mary
and place it before the throne of Jesus,
so that He may bring it to a happy issue.
Continue to intercede for me until my request is granted.
But, above all, obtain for me the grace, one day,
to see my God face to face
and with you and Mary and all the saints,
to praise and bless Him for all eternity.
Amen
Our Father . . . Hail Mary . . . Glory Be . . .
O Jesus, Holy Mary, St Anne, help me now and at the hour of my death.
Good St Anne, intercede for me.
SIXTH DAY
Good St Anne,
do not allow my soul,
a masterpiece of God’s creative power,
to be lost forever.
Free my heart of pride, vanity, self-love.
May I know myself as I really am
and learn meekness and simplicity of heart.
God’s great love for me,
often leaves me cold and unresponsive.
I must reflect this love through works of mercy
and charity toward my neighbor.
In your boundless charity, good St. Ann,
help me to merit the glorious crown
which is given for those
who have fought the good fight
against the world, the devil and the flesh.
Assist me to preserve purity of heart and body.
With Mary and her divine Son,
please protect me always.
Amen
AnaStpaul 