I'm still wrestling with this virus so I will hold off writing my posting for Tuesdays with St Anne for this coming Tuesday (not far away now), for all those who have prayed for me, many thanks, they are much appreciated!
God Bless, Anne
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
A bit down and out...
with a winter virus....so I will release my usual St Anne posting soon (God willing I'll be feeling better tomorrow.)
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Titles of St Anne
St Anne has many titles, in honour of the countless times she has powerfully interceded for the particular intentions her ‘earthly grandchildren’ have laid trustingly at her feet. The Good St Anne book dedicates a few pages to some of these titles:
“In the glorious Middle Ages, St Anne was fondly called:
Comfortress of the Sorrowing – Mother of the Poor – Health of the Sick – Patroness of the Childless – Help of the Pregnant – Model of Married Women and Mothers – Protectress of Widows – Patroness of Laborers.”
When I look at those particular titles I see that she is such a faithful grandmother to families – families that experience loss and grief, who struggle with financial hardships, who deal with sickness and ill health. To those dear ladies who yearn to start a family or wish for it to grow, for mother’s who struggle in their pregnancies with all sorts of difficult and sometimes life threatening complaints. For daughters, mothers, wives, grandmothers who wish to grow in holiness and grace, in living out their mission in life to their fullest and in every season of their womanhood. For those who have tasted the bitter cup of loosing their spouse and for all the hardships that come from that loss and for fathers and husbands who provide food, shelter & comfort from the sweat of their brow or the use of their talents. No matter who your family is, there is always a need to call upon such a patroness – and we find ourselves calling upon St Anne as did her devotees hundreds of years ago, who faced the same struggles, as they are universal and constant, since we live in a world of trial and tribulations.
St Anne can relate to all our needs as we journey through life, as we open new chapters, experience new joys, new hopes and dreams, new sorrows. And holy grandmothers are special people. They are mothers, who never stop loving and praying for their children. Their family extends, like a rose bush in a second flush of roses, with the arrival of grandchildren - she too becomes a mother all over again, but in a new and beautiful way. Grandmothers impart wisdom and unconditional love and most importantly they PRAY – when I think of Padre Pio and his promise of standing by the heavenly gates until the last of his spiritual children have arrived safely in heaven, well I can’t help but to think of many grandmothers throughout time who have done the same. Just the thought of it give me a teary moment...You could search through the wide span of mankind, from beginning to end and you will not find a more perfect grandmother as St Anne, just imagine how deep and wide that heart is!
Here are some of those titles elaborated upon in the Good St Anne book:
“Comfortress of the Sorrowing.
St Anne was spared neither trials nor bitterness. God tested her severely, especially by ordaining that she would have to wait so long for Mary, her child of predilection. For years, hidden sorrow was her daily bread.
Mother of the Poor
St Anne’s love for the poor is evident from the praise bestowed upon her by St. John Damascene, who relates that she and St. Joachim distributed one third of their possessions to the poor. St Anne still continues her charity in Heaven by assisting the poor, often in a wonderful manner. Nor does St Anne forget the dying, the poorest of the poor. These, above all others, experience her motherly protection.
Patroness of Laborers.
Among the various classes of laborers, many regard St Anne as their special protectress. But it is very significant that Christian sculptors venerate her as their model. They have chosen as their emblem the image of St Anne teaching the child Mary, with these words inscribed beneath: “Thus she wrought the Tabernacle of God.” For every Christian sculptor, the Tabernacle, the dwelling of God, is in a certain sense the masterpiece of his art.
“In the glorious Middle Ages, St Anne was fondly called:
Comfortress of the Sorrowing – Mother of the Poor – Health of the Sick – Patroness of the Childless – Help of the Pregnant – Model of Married Women and Mothers – Protectress of Widows – Patroness of Laborers.”
When I look at those particular titles I see that she is such a faithful grandmother to families – families that experience loss and grief, who struggle with financial hardships, who deal with sickness and ill health. To those dear ladies who yearn to start a family or wish for it to grow, for mother’s who struggle in their pregnancies with all sorts of difficult and sometimes life threatening complaints. For daughters, mothers, wives, grandmothers who wish to grow in holiness and grace, in living out their mission in life to their fullest and in every season of their womanhood. For those who have tasted the bitter cup of loosing their spouse and for all the hardships that come from that loss and for fathers and husbands who provide food, shelter & comfort from the sweat of their brow or the use of their talents. No matter who your family is, there is always a need to call upon such a patroness – and we find ourselves calling upon St Anne as did her devotees hundreds of years ago, who faced the same struggles, as they are universal and constant, since we live in a world of trial and tribulations.
St Anne can relate to all our needs as we journey through life, as we open new chapters, experience new joys, new hopes and dreams, new sorrows. And holy grandmothers are special people. They are mothers, who never stop loving and praying for their children. Their family extends, like a rose bush in a second flush of roses, with the arrival of grandchildren - she too becomes a mother all over again, but in a new and beautiful way. Grandmothers impart wisdom and unconditional love and most importantly they PRAY – when I think of Padre Pio and his promise of standing by the heavenly gates until the last of his spiritual children have arrived safely in heaven, well I can’t help but to think of many grandmothers throughout time who have done the same. Just the thought of it give me a teary moment...You could search through the wide span of mankind, from beginning to end and you will not find a more perfect grandmother as St Anne, just imagine how deep and wide that heart is!
Here are some of those titles elaborated upon in the Good St Anne book:
“Comfortress of the Sorrowing.
St Anne was spared neither trials nor bitterness. God tested her severely, especially by ordaining that she would have to wait so long for Mary, her child of predilection. For years, hidden sorrow was her daily bread.
Mother of the Poor
St Anne’s love for the poor is evident from the praise bestowed upon her by St. John Damascene, who relates that she and St. Joachim distributed one third of their possessions to the poor. St Anne still continues her charity in Heaven by assisting the poor, often in a wonderful manner. Nor does St Anne forget the dying, the poorest of the poor. These, above all others, experience her motherly protection.
Patroness of Laborers.
Among the various classes of laborers, many regard St Anne as their special protectress. But it is very significant that Christian sculptors venerate her as their model. They have chosen as their emblem the image of St Anne teaching the child Mary, with these words inscribed beneath: “Thus she wrought the Tabernacle of God.” For every Christian sculptor, the Tabernacle, the dwelling of God, is in a certain sense the masterpiece of his art.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
To love St Anne is to love Our Lady
I had planned to talk about the inseparable connection between St Anne and her Immaculate daughter and then something happened that confirmed the timing of it. Over at 4Real, Melinda asked the question, What has the Blessed Mother...which continued on in the post as....been up to in your life lately? Interestingly enough Melinda mentioned St Anne. That the deepening in the knowledge of and love for her was also giving her a stronger connectedness to her blessed daughter (or that’s how I interpreted it.)
I followed by my own thoughts further down the post and found myself saying with great conviction, that to think of St Anne has to make me think of Our Lady, giving joy to both. And it is so true.
The Good St Anne manual has this to say:
“Veneration of St Anne is closely allied to veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The feast of Mary’s nativity and presentation are in reality feasts of St Anne, as all praises referring to the daughter are directed also to the mother. Mary surpasses all the faithful in veneration, esteem and in tender and filial love for her holy mother. While Anne and Mary lived on earth, the bond of love that united their hearts was most ardent and intimate. Nor has this bond been dissolved in Heaven. Rather, it has been drawn still closer and has become indissoluble for all eternity.”
So these words have been great food for thought, for me as a True Devotee of Mary (St Louis deMontfort) Devotion to St Anne in particular is also another beautiful way to further honour Our Lady. It is within St Anne’s womb that the Immaculate Conception resided. As a true devotee we know it is a Christ centered devotion ultimately since in honouring and imitating Our Lady we are honouring and imitating Our Lord - she is His masterpiece, the one who never refused Him and His graces. Also Our Lord naturally upheld His own commandments to Divine perfection and so no one can outdo His own honour, respect and love He gave to His mother, we only seek to imitate Him. Devotion to St Anne is based on that same principle, to honour St Anne is to honour the daughter and to give her joy, since she loved her mother without fail in any way.
Here is a story from Good St Anne:
“Mary once appeared to one of her clients and asked her to add to her customary Rosary devotion an Our Father and Hail Mary in honor of Mary’s holy mother, St Anne. “Those who honor St Anne,” said Our Lady, “will obtain great aid in every need, especially at the hour of death.” To another person she said: “The Honor you show to my mother is doubly dear and pleasing to me.”
The learned Bollandists relate that a hermit who was especially devoted to the Blessed Virgin was once seized with bitter anguish of spirit. He fled for refuge to the Queen of Heaven. Radiant with splendor, Mary appeared to him and said: “Since you are lovingly devoted to me, I will take away all your grief and sorrow of soul, but I admonish you to venerate and praise my dear mother also, if you desire great graces from me. I am highly pleased with the affection accorded to my beloved mother. Know, too, that my Son, Jesus, has promised to deliver from misfortune all who honor my mother and to assist them in attaining eternal glory. My son, practice this devotion and make it known.”
After speaking these words, Mary vanished, leaving a heavenly perfume in the hermit’s cell. The anchorite faithfully complied with the request of the Virgin Mother. From that time on, to every greeting addressed to the Queen of Heaven, he added the prayer: “And blessed be thy sweet mother, Anne, from whom thou didst assume thy virginal flesh.”
If we wish to give Mary special joy, let us fervently venerate St Anne, for every child is pleased to see her mother honored.”
I would like to finish by saying that so many of the prayers to St Anne, mention Our Lady, it shows their intimate connection to one another, here are a few of them below.
I followed by my own thoughts further down the post and found myself saying with great conviction, that to think of St Anne has to make me think of Our Lady, giving joy to both. And it is so true.
The Good St Anne manual has this to say:
“Veneration of St Anne is closely allied to veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The feast of Mary’s nativity and presentation are in reality feasts of St Anne, as all praises referring to the daughter are directed also to the mother. Mary surpasses all the faithful in veneration, esteem and in tender and filial love for her holy mother. While Anne and Mary lived on earth, the bond of love that united their hearts was most ardent and intimate. Nor has this bond been dissolved in Heaven. Rather, it has been drawn still closer and has become indissoluble for all eternity.”
So these words have been great food for thought, for me as a True Devotee of Mary (St Louis deMontfort) Devotion to St Anne in particular is also another beautiful way to further honour Our Lady. It is within St Anne’s womb that the Immaculate Conception resided. As a true devotee we know it is a Christ centered devotion ultimately since in honouring and imitating Our Lady we are honouring and imitating Our Lord - she is His masterpiece, the one who never refused Him and His graces. Also Our Lord naturally upheld His own commandments to Divine perfection and so no one can outdo His own honour, respect and love He gave to His mother, we only seek to imitate Him. Devotion to St Anne is based on that same principle, to honour St Anne is to honour the daughter and to give her joy, since she loved her mother without fail in any way.
Here is a story from Good St Anne:
“Mary once appeared to one of her clients and asked her to add to her customary Rosary devotion an Our Father and Hail Mary in honor of Mary’s holy mother, St Anne. “Those who honor St Anne,” said Our Lady, “will obtain great aid in every need, especially at the hour of death.” To another person she said: “The Honor you show to my mother is doubly dear and pleasing to me.”
The learned Bollandists relate that a hermit who was especially devoted to the Blessed Virgin was once seized with bitter anguish of spirit. He fled for refuge to the Queen of Heaven. Radiant with splendor, Mary appeared to him and said: “Since you are lovingly devoted to me, I will take away all your grief and sorrow of soul, but I admonish you to venerate and praise my dear mother also, if you desire great graces from me. I am highly pleased with the affection accorded to my beloved mother. Know, too, that my Son, Jesus, has promised to deliver from misfortune all who honor my mother and to assist them in attaining eternal glory. My son, practice this devotion and make it known.”
After speaking these words, Mary vanished, leaving a heavenly perfume in the hermit’s cell. The anchorite faithfully complied with the request of the Virgin Mother. From that time on, to every greeting addressed to the Queen of Heaven, he added the prayer: “And blessed be thy sweet mother, Anne, from whom thou didst assume thy virginal flesh.”
If we wish to give Mary special joy, let us fervently venerate St Anne, for every child is pleased to see her mother honored.”
I would like to finish by saying that so many of the prayers to St Anne, mention Our Lady, it shows their intimate connection to one another, here are a few of them below.
A prayer in Honour of The Blessed Virgin and Saint Anne
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, and may thy grace be with me! Blessed art thou among women, and blessed be St. Anne, thy mother who brought thee forth, O Virgin Mary, all immaculate, who didst give birth to Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God. Amen.
Novena Prayer to Saint Anne To obtain some special favour
O Glorious St. Anne, filled with compassion for those who invoke thee and with love for those who suffer, heavily laden with the weight of my troubles, I cast myself at thy feet and humbly beg of thee to take under thy special protection the present affair which I commend to thee.
(State your petition.)
Be pleased to commend it to thy daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and lay it before the throne of Jesus, so that He may bring it to a happy outcome. Cease not to intercede for me until my request is granted. Above all, obtain for me the grace of one day beholding my God face to face and, and with thee and Mary and all the Saints, of praising and blessing Him for all eternity. Amen.
Good Saint Anne, mother of her who is our life, our sweetness and our hope, pray to her for us and obtain our request. (three times)
Good Saint Anne, pray for us.
Jesus, Mary, Anne.
Memorare to Saint Anne To obtain some special favour
Remember, O holy mother Saint Anne, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help and sought thy intercession was left unaided, for thou art a most merciful mother and aid all who are in distress. Inspired with this confidence, I take refuge with thee and beseech thee, by thy great prerogative of being the mother of the Queen of Heaven and Grandmother of the Saviour of the world, come to my aid with thy powerful intercession, and obtain from thine Immaculate Daughter this favour (mention it). In honour of the nine months during which thou didst bear the ever-blessed Virgin in thy womb and brought her forth without stain of Original Sin, I now pray nine Hail Mary’s (Ave Marias), which I offer thee through my Guardian Angel. Amen.
Ave Maria (nine times)
Recommendation to Saint Anne
Hail, O illustrious Saint Anne, blessed among women because thou hadst the happiness of bearing in thy womb the holy and immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God. I participate in the joy thou didst experience on giving birth to her and offering her in the Temple to the Eternal Father. I pray thee, good mother, to present me to thy well-beloved Daughter and to her Son, Jesus. Be my protectress and advocate with Jesus and Mary; be my intercessor, my refuge, my consolation. Amen.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Nothing like sisterly love...
I am seeing something beautiful everyday.
The love between sisters - between these two daughters. 
Tonight my oldest daughter was holding my littlest one as if she were mum.
And my precious baby looked like she been in those arms forever. Such treasured moments....
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
St Anne, obtains for her devotees a happy death
St Anne, as you know, is the patroness of a happy death, I wanted to share with you today a lovely story published in the Good St Anne book. The Blessed Virgin herself has revealed to mankind, her mother Anne obtains for those who venerate her, a happy death. Here is one such case, written by the priest who was a part of this story:
“While I was assistant pastor in the parish of X, I was aroused one night by the ringing of the door bell. A stately woman, a stranger to me, called up the stairs: ‘Father, please go quickly and take the Blessed Sacrament to a servant in a house upon the hill, for she will not live through the night. The sexton is waiting for you in the church.’
“The sexton had been awakened by the same person. I took the Blessed Sacrament, and we started for the house. An hour later we arrived. To our great surprise, we found the house locked, and nowhere a sound or a light. We knocked at the door, but when it was opened, no one knew anything of a servant being ill there, so we concluded that some person, wishing to make light of us, had deceived us.
However, in order that I would not need to return with the Blessed Sacrament, one of the servants declared her readiness to go to Confession and to receive Holy Communion. Her suggestion was readily accepted. During her Confession, she began to feel indisposed. She finished her Confession and received Holy Communion. Before long her condition became worse, and she was obliged to go to bed. Soon it was evident that her end was near. I administered Extreme Unction and imparted the indulgence for the dying. Scarcely had this been done when the servant died.
“About her bed hung pictures of many Saints, among which was a large decorated representation of St Anne. ‘This servant,’ said the inmates of the house, ‘practiced special devotion to St Anne. In her honor she abstained from milk every Tuesday.’ I have no doubt that the woman who called the sexton and myself was none other than St Anne, who obtained for her client this last great favor.”
Let us practice special devotion to St Anne in order to obtain a happy death, upon which depends our happiness for all eternity." Good St Anne pgs 39-40
Jesus reminds us in the Bible that some things can be cast out only with prayer and fasting. I think too, it means that our prayers become more pleasing to God when sacrifice is added to it, when we mortify ourselves. This servant girl abstained from milk every Tuesday all her life. She gave of herself on St Anne’s day and St Anne in return miraculously gave of herself in order to see this faithful devotee die in the arms of the sacraments, confession – viaticum, ‘food for the journey’ and anointing of the sick - such a beautiful story.
I would like to finish with some lovely St Anne prayers that include an invocation for a happy death.
PRAYER TO SAINT ANNETHE MOTHER OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
“While I was assistant pastor in the parish of X, I was aroused one night by the ringing of the door bell. A stately woman, a stranger to me, called up the stairs: ‘Father, please go quickly and take the Blessed Sacrament to a servant in a house upon the hill, for she will not live through the night. The sexton is waiting for you in the church.’
“The sexton had been awakened by the same person. I took the Blessed Sacrament, and we started for the house. An hour later we arrived. To our great surprise, we found the house locked, and nowhere a sound or a light. We knocked at the door, but when it was opened, no one knew anything of a servant being ill there, so we concluded that some person, wishing to make light of us, had deceived us.
However, in order that I would not need to return with the Blessed Sacrament, one of the servants declared her readiness to go to Confession and to receive Holy Communion. Her suggestion was readily accepted. During her Confession, she began to feel indisposed. She finished her Confession and received Holy Communion. Before long her condition became worse, and she was obliged to go to bed. Soon it was evident that her end was near. I administered Extreme Unction and imparted the indulgence for the dying. Scarcely had this been done when the servant died.
“About her bed hung pictures of many Saints, among which was a large decorated representation of St Anne. ‘This servant,’ said the inmates of the house, ‘practiced special devotion to St Anne. In her honor she abstained from milk every Tuesday.’ I have no doubt that the woman who called the sexton and myself was none other than St Anne, who obtained for her client this last great favor.”
Let us practice special devotion to St Anne in order to obtain a happy death, upon which depends our happiness for all eternity." Good St Anne pgs 39-40
Jesus reminds us in the Bible that some things can be cast out only with prayer and fasting. I think too, it means that our prayers become more pleasing to God when sacrifice is added to it, when we mortify ourselves. This servant girl abstained from milk every Tuesday all her life. She gave of herself on St Anne’s day and St Anne in return miraculously gave of herself in order to see this faithful devotee die in the arms of the sacraments, confession – viaticum, ‘food for the journey’ and anointing of the sick - such a beautiful story.
I would like to finish with some lovely St Anne prayers that include an invocation for a happy death.
PRAYER TO SAINT ANNETHE MOTHER OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
With a heart full of sincere and filial veneration, I prostrate myself before You, O Blessed Saint Ann, You are that beloved and privileged creature who, because of your extraordinary virtue and sanctity did deserve of God that chief of graces, of giving life to the treasury of grace, the Blessed among women, the Mother the Incarnate Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary. In consideration of such exalted favors, please O most tender Saint, receive me among the number of your truly devoted servants, for such I profess myself to be and wish to remain for the rest of my life. Surround me with your efficacious patronage and obtain for me a knowledge of my sins and sorrow for them, an ardent love of Jesus and Mary, and a faithful and constant observance of the duties of my state in life. Save me from all dangers in life and assist me at the hour of my death that I may safely reach Paradise, there to praise with you, most happy Mother, the Word of God made man in the womb of your most pure daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary. Amen.
PRAYER TO SAINT ANNE
With love, I come to you St. Anne. By your virtues and holiness, you merited from God the favour of giving life to her who is the Treasure of all graces, the Most Holy Virgin.Receive me, good St. Anne, into the number of your true clients, for so I profess myself and wish to remain throughout my entire life. Obtain for me, from God, the power to imitate those virtues with which you are so plentifully endowed. Help me to know and regret my sins bitterly. Obtain for me the grace of active love for Jesus and Mary, and resolution to fulfill the duties of my state of life with faithfulness. Save me from every danger that confronts me in life, and help me at the hour of my death. Amen.
DAILY PRAYER TO SAINT ANNE
O glorious Saint Ann, 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.
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.
O Jesus, Holy Mary, St. Ann, help me now and at the hour of my death.
Good St. Ann, intercede for me.
Monday, June 2, 2008
My Beautiful Blessing
Here is my precious blessing who is now 4 and a half months old. She is a HAPPY baby! She giggles and laughes whenever you look at her and flashes her lopsided dimple. She still has the long, dark hair but it is lightening but it has grown on me so much I would not have her bald and blonde (like all the rest of my babies) for all the world - it is part of the individuality of this beautiful little girl. I have been richly blessed.
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