Today is the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, parents of the Virgin Mary and grandparent of Our Lord. The little family of Joachim, Anne and Mary were the first holy family. How wonderful that we stop in the middle of summer and pay homage to this holy couple. In a special way, we should remember our own grandparents and pray for them.
Father Christopher Whitehead, Clifton Diocese, at Catholic-ew.org.uk gives a beautiful reflection on this feast day. His reflection includes a video explaining a beautiful fresco in the Basilica di Santa Croce, Florence, Italy. The fresco depicts the lives of the Virgin and Our Lord.
Sts. Joachim and Anne / July
I suppose it’s only when we look back that we truly appreciate the beauty of grandparents. I look at my own mother (and my father, when he was alive) and I see the joy of life and of family as they have that sense of enjoyment and fun, almost a regained youthfulness in watching, nurturing, and supporting their grandchildren as they grow up. Parents are learning on the go with their own children, but there’s something ‘different’ about our grandparents. read more at catholic-ew.org.uk
I discovered this profound prayer from the Carmelite Friars, British Province. The prayer will help us recollect our thoughts on the meaning of today’s Feast Day.
Lord, God of our fathers and mothers,
You bestowed on Saint Joachim and Saint Anne
the singular grace that their daughter, Mary,
should become the Mother of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
Grant, at their intercession,
the salvation You promised to Your people.
We make our prayer through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Image: Albrecht Altar. 1439. St Sebastian Chapel, Klosterneuburg Abbey, Vienna, Austria.