Celebrating the life of St Anne ~ Week 9 St Anne's Feast Day

HAPPY FEAST DAY! MAY ST ANNE BLESS YOU ALL ON HER SPECIAL DAY!

I hope many ladies can join with me every Tuesday in celebrating the life and cult of St Anne throughout the history of the Church leading up to her feastday on the 26th of July. This is a nine week posting of a beautiful article published in the Catholic newspaper called, Catholic ~ The Voice of Catholic Orthodoxy the article itself is is an exerpt from a book by Rev Fr Myles V Ronan CC, MRIA 1927.

Edit 2011: I have since discovered that the wonderful newspaper that this St Anne article has come from, is put out by the Transalpine Redemptorists on the island of Papa Stronsay in Scotland. I now have their blog linked at the top of my lefthand sidebar, you can order this newspaper/magazine from their site.

Today is week nine the final week, here are the previous eight postings:

Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8


During these nine weeks I am also giving away a St Anne gift for each posting (either a St Anne chaplet, rosary or necklace of heirloom quality.) To enter the draw, read the day's posting and answer the question taken from the St Anne story. Then email me the answer with your name and email address written beside it, if the name and email address is not there, I cannot add you to the draw. I will draw out and announce the winner the following Tuesday and release the photo of the next gift and question and on it goes! Feel free to enter each week's draw.

I ask just one special favour, if you could offer an Ave in honour of St Anne for my sister Carmen who would dearly love to be blessd with a child after nine years of infertility, many grateful thanks

And so we continue on from last week.....

Of the whole American continent Canada has become remarkable for its intense devotion to St Anne, and Beaupre is its centre. The first colonists that settled there came chiefly from Brittany and Normandy, and brought with them their tender devotion to Good St Anne.

About the year 1650 some Breton mariners, whilst navigating the St Lawrence River, were overtaken by a frightful storm. Their vessel was driven by wind and waves towards the rocky coast. They were about to perish, and no earthly aid was near. In their peril they implored the help of Good St Anne, the patroness of their beloved Brittany, and vowed if saved, to build a chapel in her honour, on the very spot where they should happen to land.

Morning dawned and to their great astonishment, they found themselves on the north bank of the river at Beaupre. They landed and erected a little wooden chapel in honour of St Anne, their deliverer.

Eight years afterwards the first church of Beaupre was begun. The hardy pioneers, who had come to the place about the year 1650, began to till the soil and erect houses. The numbers so increased that it was necessary to build a church.

On the day the corner-stone was blessed, the Saint showed how favourably she viewed the project. Louis Guimont, who suffered intensely from acute rheumatism, full of confidence in St Anne, came forward and placed three stones in the foundation of the new building. He was rewarded for his devotion by an immediate cure, to the admiration and consolation of the bystanders. But this chapel already consecrated by miracle was never completed as it was found that the tide and the ice in spring, would destroy its foundations.

Another site, nearer to the hill was chosen, and again Lessard gave the ground. The sanctuary was ready in 1662, and in it was placed a small gilded wooden statue brought from France in 1661. From this year onwards, according to a document in the archives of the Seminary of Quebec, God began to work wonders here through the intercession of St Anne.

In 1876 the great basilica was built, an imposing monument and one of the most beautiful on the American continent. But alas! This splendid sanctuary, the centre of Canadian devotion, and the scene of so many favours, was destroyed by fire on 29 March, 1922, but the statue over the facade, the magnificent statue before the high altar and the precious relics of St Anne escaped uninjured.

Again in October, 1926, the temporary wooden structure, afterwards erected, ws likewise destroyed by fire. On this occasion also the statue and relics escaped. But it was not long before the devoted Canadians erected an even more magnificent sanctuary to their great protectress. It is this basilica which stands today.

A great deal more could be said of this wonderful devotion but space constrains us to curtail this narrative with the inspiring words of Pope Gregory XV:

"We do not doubt that the more love we show to the Mother of Mary the more we merit the intercession and aid of the Holy Virgin who brought forth the Only-Begotten Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ."

(From a book by Rev Fr Myles V Ronan, CC, MRIA, 1927)

Last week's question was: Q: What malady did the Curate, Dom Thominec, suffer and die from? The answer: A painful and inexplicable malady of the arm joint.

Jessica Gordon was the first name out of the hat with the correct answer ~ congratulations! Email me with your address Jessica, and I'll post the St Anne rosary you see above to you!

For all those ladies who entered last week's draw, feel free to answer this week's draw, answering the new question below the photos of the necklace. I am opening this final giveaway to everyone, even those who have previously won chaplets/rosary.

Here are the images of this week's giveaway:

'O God who hast been pleased to confer on St Anne so great a grace that she merited to carry in her womb Thy Mother, grant us by the intercession of the Mother and the Son the abundance of Thy mercies, so that we may arrive at the heavenly Jerusalem through the prayers of those whose memory we honour with pious affection. Amen.'

So the giveaway necklace above is a St Anne necklace with a vintage reproduction St Anne medal handcast in solid bronze with a beautiful filigree disk behind the medal from Vintaj. I have used petrified wood gemstones and beads and crystals. I've chosen a colour theme that is very neutral and will go with any lady's colour scheme or tones. To have a chance to win this week's giveaway, answer the following question:

Q: What was the name of the man who placed the three foundation stones of the orginal bascilica of St Anne deBeaupre, and what was he cured of? (So a double question!)

Email me the answer with your name and email address written next to the answer. Come back Tuesday the 3rd August to see if you have won!

I thank you also for prayers offered for my two year old daughter who had suffered burns to her face and eye area, the scabs have lifted leaving pink skin that looks very optimal for good healing, many, many thanks!

Celebrating the life of St Anne ~ Week 8

I hope many ladies can join with me every Tuesday in celebrating the life and cult of St Anne throughout the history of the Church leading up to her feastday on the 26th of July. This is a nine week posting of a beautiful article published in the Catholic newspaper called, Catholic ~ The Voice of Catholic Orthodoxy the article itself is is an exerpt from a book by Rev Fr Myles V Ronan CC, MRIA 1927.

Edit 2011: I have since discovered that the wonderful newspaper that this St Anne article has come from, is put out by the Transalpine Redemptorists on the island of Papa Stronsay in Scotland. I now have their blog linked at the top of my lefthand sidebar, you can order this newspaper/magazine from their site.

Today is week eight, here are the previous seven postings:

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5
Week 6

Week 7

During these nine weeks I am also giving away a St Anne gift for each posting (either a St Anne chaplet, rosary or necklace of heirloom quality.) To enter the draw, read the day's posting and answer the question taken from the St Anne story. Then email me the answer with your name and email address written beside it, if the name and email address is not there, I cannot add you to the draw. I will draw out and announce the winner the following Tuesday and release the photo of the next gift and question and on it goes! Feel free to enter each week's draw.

I ask just one special favour, if you could offer an Ave in honour of St Anne for my sister Carmen who would dearly love to be blessd with a child after nine years of infertility, many grateful thanks

And so we continue on from last week.....

The second inquiry took place at Chateau de Kerguehennoc in Bignan in the house of Mr du Garo, brother-in-law of Mgr de Rosmadec. The Bishop, with his usual courtesy, received Nicolazic, listened to his long narrative, and asked him many questions. Nicolazic answered judiciously and frankly. Mr du Garo, a renowned lawyer and well-versed in the tricks of cross-examination of witnessses, showed to Nicolazic certain apparent contradictions in his statement, put forward objections, and pointed out certain impossibilities. He twisted Nicolazic's statement and asked him some captious questions. But the peasant never winced, or contradicted himself, and gained the upper hand in this unequal contest. He made a great impression on the Bishop and on Garo, and went away quite happy.

The Bishop now decided to hold a formal inquiry in presence of the Rector. But the Rector for some reason did not present himself. Nicolazic came, and as he did not know French, brought his brother Peter with him as interpreter. The inquiry was confined to a statement of facts. But it was necessary also to view them from the theological standpoint. Accordingly, the Bishop ordered the Guardian of the Capuchins to take charge of Nicolazic and interrogate him at leisure.

Nicolazic stayed some days with the Capuchins at Vannes undergoing a minute examination by all the religious of the house. Then came an interval of 15 days prayer, and consultation with the best theologians. At the end of this period Nicolazic was summoned to Vannes, for further cross-examination. And, finally, the Capuchins drew up their report to the Bishop, declaring that Nicolazic was truthful in his statements and that it was expedient to build the chapel required.

Events were before long to confirm the reality of the visions of Nicolazic. Three weeks afer the discovery of the statue, the Rector was struck with paralysis. A clerical friend advised him to have recourse to the Saint who had spoken to Nicolazic. He obeyed, and nine times he was carried to the Bocenno field.

The ninth day he asked to be brought to the fountain, and as he had not the use of his arms he was assisted in having his paralysed legs bathed in the water. He was instantly cured, and threw himself on his knees before the statue. He who was an obstinate opponent of Nicolazic up to the very moment his clerical friend gave him the advice to have recourse to St Anne, became one of the warmest promoters of the devotion. He made public reparation to St Anne and promised to be the first to celebrate Mass in the holy place.

The Curate, Dom Thominec, who had thrown over the statue in the Bocenno field, as well as the pilgrims' offerings, was attacked a few days afterwards with a painful and inexplicable malady of the arm joint which nothing could cure or assuage. He died three years afterwards, the pain remaining with him until the hour of his death, but meanwhile he had recognised his mistake and made attonement for it.

Nicolazic saw the accomplishment of the promises made to him by St Anne. The crowds had come and were continuing to come; the funds were abundant; the chapel was built; and the conversions and miracles worked. The Carmelites, summoned by the Bishop established themselves in the village. They took charge of the building, transforming the village into a monastic city.

At the Revolution the miraculous statue was carried off and burnt at Vannes in 1793. In spite of all these profanations, and in spite of the dangers to which they exposed themselves, even during the full Reign of Terror the Bretons came in crowds to St Anne every year on the usual festival days. The ancient statue that had been burnt was replaced in 1824, on the occasion of the second centenary, by a more beautiful one enclosing the face of the old in the base of the staue. In place of the old chapel a spacious church was built in 1866 which takes its place among the basilicas.

To be continued next week...

Last week's question was: Q: What was in Nicolazic's barn, that had come originally from an ancient shrine to St Anne, that caused it to be burnt to the ground and yet leave the contents to be miraculously untouched? The answer: Stones from the original ancient shrine to St Anne.

Elizabeth Bresee was the first name out of the hat with the correct answer ~ congratulations! Email me with your address Elizabeth, and I'll post the St Anne chaplet you see above to you!

For all those ladies who entered last week's draw, feel free to answer this week's draw, answering the new question below.

Here is an image of this week's giveaway is a St Anne rosary:

To have a chance to win this week's heirloom quality St Anne rosary with a vintage reproduction St Anne rosary center and a beautiful vintage reproduction crucifix, the orginal coming from St Anne deBeaupre (engraved on the back) both handcast in solid bronze made from gemstones, swarovski crystals, answer the following question:

Q: What malady did the Curate, Dom Thominec, suffer and die from?

Email me the answer with your name and email address written next to the answer. Come back next Tuesday to see if you have won!

I humbly ask for prayers also, for my two year old daughter who has suffered burns to her face and eye area, many kind and grateful thanks!

Starting the novena to St Anne today

This travel blog photo's source is TravelPod page: San Jose Church facade. St. Anne, San Antonio, United States

St Anne

This travel blog photo's source is TravelPod page: San Jose Church facade St Joachim, San Antonio, United States

St Joachim

Today is the day to start a novena to St Anne for her feast day, in Australia if you start today you will finish on the 26th (St Anne and Joachim's feast day) and if you are in the northern hemisphere/US, if you start today you should finish on the Eve.

I have a favourite St Anne novena, here is the link to it beautifully presented at this website.

I have fallen in love with this novena as it is on my ipieta app on my iphone. It has a daily prayer to St Anne and then an individual prayer for each day of the nine day novena...what intrigues me is how often I read the novena prayer of the day and the theme in it speaks right to me and my daily state of mind or situation.

I will be remembering all the intentions of the ladies who have been participating with me the the present Tuesdays with St Anne series leading to her feast, may St Anne bless you all!

Scapular Cookie for Our Lady of Mt Carmel Feast

We enjoyed these yummy scapular biscuits (cookies) for the feast of Our Lady of Mt Carmel yesterday, pop over to Catholic Cuisine to see how easy they came together for us!

Celebrating the life of St Anne ~ Week 7

I hope many ladies can join with me every Tuesday in celebrating the life and cult of St Anne throughout the history of the Church leading up to her feastday on the 26th of July. This is a nine week posting of a beautiful article published in the Catholic newspaper called, Catholic ~ The Voice of Catholic Orthodoxy the article itself is is an exerpt from a book by Rev Fr Myles V Ronan CC, MRIA 1927.

Edit 2011: I have since discovered that the wonderful newspaper that this St Anne article has come from, is put out by the Transalpine Redemptorists on the island of Papa Stronsay in Scotland. I now have their blog linked at the top of my lefthand sidebar, you can order this newspaper/magazine from their site.

Today is week seven, here are the previous six postings:

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5
Week 6

During these nine weeks I am also giving away a St Anne gift for each posting (either a St Anne chaplet, rosary or necklace of heirloom quality.) To enter the draw, read the day's posting and answer the question taken from the St Anne story. Then email me the answer with your name and email address written beside it, if the name and email address is not there, I cannot add you to the draw. I will draw out and announce the winner the following Tuesday and release the photo of the next gift and question and on it goes! Feel free to enter each week's draw.

I ask just one special favour, if you could offer an Ave in honour of St An ne for my sister Carmen who would dearly love to be blessed with a child after nine years of infertility, many grateful thanks.

And so we continue on from last week.....

Whilst the villagers of Keranna came to see for themselves the statue found during the night, Nicolazic and Lezulit went to the presbytery to show the Rector the silver pieces, which he had not yet seen, and relate to him what had taken place in the field before witnesses. Lezulit confirmed what Nicolazic related.

The Rector was as incredulous as ever and called Nicolazic an impostor. Poor Nicolazic went out with his companion and said not a word. The two peasants took the road to Auray to interview the lord of the land, Mr de Kerloguen, who was moved to sympathy for them. He advised them to see the Capuchin Fathers, but the latter were still opposed to the building of the chaplet on the Bocenno field.

Above: The relic of the finger of St Anne preserved at the shrine.

Returning homewards, the two peasants wished first to inspect the statue more at leisure. There they found a large crowd, and in the midst two priests, Dom Yves Richard, belonging to the village; and Dom Mazur, Chaplain of the fleet then in a neighbouring harbour. Two Capuchins were also there by chance. The statue was the object of their curiosity, and as it had been just cleaned and washed, one could see the folds of the robe, and what was more astonishing, the colours white and blue. It measured three feet in height and was made of very hard wood. The two peasants placed it standing on the mound and went home.

The next day was Sunday, and the crowd that gathered around the statue was larger than ever. Nicolazic went with a neighbour towards the Bocenno field, when suddenly they heard a cry of "fire" behind them. Looking around, they saw his barn in flames. Inspite of all they could do, the building was burned in the twinkling of an eye. Some said it was a punishment from Heaven; others that it was a fresh miracle. Though even the walls were burned, yet two stacks of corn, towards which the wind blew the flames, remained absolutely untouched. Besides this, all the other things within the barn and in the midst of the intense fire remained intact.

The people were divided in their opinions as to the meaning of the extraordinary occurrence, but Nicolazic all at once guessed the reason of this fire brought about by Heaven. The barn was quite new, and in building it, his father had used for the walls the stone of the ancient chapel. God does not wish things that had been consecrated to His worship to be devoted to profane use.

On Monday evening an extraordinary light filled the Bocenno field and made a halo over the miraculous statue. Many persons, as well as Nicolazic, were witnesses of this and heard a sound as of a crowd marching and entering the field. There was indeed no crowd, but it was a forewarning.

The next day the same noise was heard in the same place, but this time it was a reality. The pilgrims came in crowds, even from distant places. It would seem that only by Divine inspiration could the news of the recent wonders have reached places so far removed from Keranna. Some of the pilgrims even said that they had set out from their homes the very day the statue had been discovered, namely, fully two days previously. And they did not come as mere sight-seers, but they prayed and made offerings. Money was thrown down at the foot of the statue, but one of the villagers went to fetch a stool and a tin plate for the offerings.

Above: The altar and shrine of St Anne d'Auray.

The news of the demonstration spread abroad, but when the Rector heard about it he became very indignant and sent the Curate to put an end to the scandal. When the latter came to the Bocenno field, he went straight to the staute and threw it into the ditch. Then, turning to the stool, he overturned it with a kick, along with the plate and money.

He denounced Nicolazic for causing this commotion, bade the pilgrims go home, and threatened those of the village with excommunication. This violent outburst produced a strong feeling of opposition among the people of the parish. As for Nicolazic, he said nothing, but quietly gathered the offerings: they were the nucleus of the fund for the future chapel. The following days, greater numbers of pilgrims thronged to the spot, and they went on increasing.

An inquiry into the occurrences at the Bocenno was ordered by the Bishop to take place in the presbytery at Pluneret on Wednesday, 12 March, and Nicolazic was ordered to attend. It was presided over by a representative of the Bishop in presence of the Rector, the Curate, and Dom Yves Richard. To all the questions put to him, Nicolazic answered clearly and collectedly. The statement was signed by all present and sent to the Bishop, with an account of the attitude of the Rector, the Curate and the people, and with the further statement that the pilgrims were still coming.

Touched by the answers given by Nicolazic, the Bishop wished to interview and interrogate him.

To be continued next week...

Last week's question was: Why could two of the peasant men, called upon by Nicholazic to follow the torch, not see it? The answer: They were not in a state of grace.

Servant2theKing was the first name out of the hat with the correct answer ~ congratulations! Email me with your address Servant, and I'll post the St Anne chaplet you see above to you!

(I am very sorry not to have replied individually to you all this week past, our computer kept crashing, thank you once again for your ongoing prayers for my sister.)

For all those ladies who entered last week's draw, feel free to answer this week's draw, answering the new question below.

Here is an image of this week's St Anne chaplet:

To have a chance to win this week's heirloom quality St Anne chaplet made from gemstones, swarovski crystals and a solid bronze vintage reproduction St Anne d'Auray medal answer the following question:

Q: What was in Nicolazic's barn, that had come originally from an ancient shrine to St Anne, that caused it to be burnt to the ground and yet leave the contents to be miraculously untouched?

Email me the answer with your name and email address written next to the answer. Come back next Tuesday to see if you have won!

Celebrating the life of St Anne ~ Week 6

I hope many ladies can join with me every Tuesday in celebrating the life and cult of St Anne throughout the history of the Church leading up to her feastday on the 26th of July. This is a nine week posting of a beautiful article published in the Catholic newspaper called, Catholic ~ The Voice of Catholic Orthodoxy the article itself is is an exerpt from a book by Rev Fr Myles V Ronan CC, MRIA 1927.

Edit 2011: I have since discovered that the wonderful newspaper that this St Anne article has come from, is put out by the Transalpine Redemptorists on the island of Papa Stronsay in Scotland. I now have their blog linked at the top of my lefthand sidebar, you can order this newspaper/magazine from their site.

Today is week three, here are the previous three postings:

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

During these nine weeks I am also giving away a St Anne gift for each posting (either a St Anne chaplet, rosary or necklace of heirloom quality.) To enter the draw, read the day's posting and answer the question taken from the St Anne story. Then email me the answer with your name and email address written beside it, if the name and email address is not there, I cannot add you to the draw. I will draw out and announce the winner the following Tuesday and release the photo of the next gift and question and on it goes! Feel free to enter each week's draw.

I ask just one special favour, if you could offer an Ave in honour of St Anne for my sister Carmen who would dearly love to be blessed with a child after nine years of infertility, many grateful thanks.

And so we continue on from last week.....

THE SITE REVEALED

Months past and then one evening, as he was engaged in carting grain by moonlight, he saw a shower of stars fall on the space betwen the Bocenno field and his home. Several times he was carried, during that night, without knowing how, from his house to the place of the ancient chapel, and whilst the light illumined the whole place as far as the village, he heard in ecstasies that lasted several hours, such beautiful chanting that he thought himself among the angelic choirs in Paradise.

The most important revelation to Nicolazic was that on Monday 3rd March, 1625, St Anne appearing as usual, said to him that the period of delay was not at an end. Nicolazic must go at once to his Rector, tell him on her behalf that she wished for a chapel at the place already indicated and of which she intended to take possession. "As to the rest, " she added, "there will be convincing proofs of the mission I confide to you. "

The next day he went resolutely to the presbytery, taking with him Jean Lezulit, church warden of the parish. Again the parish priest upbraided him. Again Nicolazic returned to his home, disappointed and sad.

On Thursday evening St Anne again appeared to him and told him it was he himself who must undertake the building of the chapel. To this Nicolazic respectfully replied: "Perform some miracle, my Good Mistress, which will make the Rector and others see that you want them to build there." "Go," she said, "trust in God and in me; you will soon see abundance there, and the wealth of the world which will come to honour me there, will be the greatest miracle of all." Nicolazic then thought of selling all he posessed in order to build the chapel.

The next morning, Guillesmette, his wife, found on awaking, on a table in the room, 12 quarter-crowns laid in three piles. She knew that she herself had not a quarter in the house, ran to her husband's room to show him the silver pieces. Nicolazic knew that St Anne had begun the work. He called his friend Lezulit, tied the coins in a handkerchief, and both started off for the presbytery.

The Rector was away, but the Curate, Dom Thominec, received them and upbraided them for their silly stories. Nicolazic wept bitterly, not knowing how to reply to St Anne. Arriving at the village, Lezulit begged him not to forget to call him so that he might assist at the finding of the statue. Nicolazic promised to do so.

That night, about 11 o'clock, as Nicolazic was saying his Rosary, his room became illumined, as on other occasions, and on the table appeared a torch that burned brightly. The Saint appeared to him, and looking sweetly upon him said: "Yves Nicolazic, call your neighbours as you have been advised; bring them to the place that this torch will point out to you; you will find the statue that will put you right before everybody, and will prove the truth of what I have promised you."

St Anne then disappeared, but the light remained. Nicolazic, full of joy, was about to go outside, when the torch went before him. He was going towards the Bocenno field when he remembered he had to call witnesses. He came back, called his brother-in-law, Louis le Roux and bade him bring a spade with him. Both then went to call their neighbours, Jacques Lucas, Francois le Bloennex, Jean Tanguy and Julien Lezulit. All hurried to the call, whilst the torch still shone brightly. Two of the peasants saw the light, and the other two did not. (It transpired later that the latter two were not in the state of grace.)

The torch led them on to the Bocenno field and then stopped at the place of the ancient chapel. The torch ascended and descended three times, and then disappeared into the ground. Nicolazic at once hurried to the spot and put down his foot, telling his brother-in-law to dig there. Jean le Roux had no sooner taken up five or six spadefuls than he felt the spade strike a piece of wood underneath. As they were now in darkness, Nicolazic bade one of the peasants go for a light, "a blessed candle," he said, "and a torch." This was done, and they began again to dig, and were not long in taking up the old statue, much disfigured, which had lain there for over 900 years.

Having gazed at it religiously for a few moments, they placed it against a little bank and then retired to rest. Nicolazic arose early and accompanied by Lezulit, came to the Bocenno field to inspect the statue. They found it much damaged about its extremities by the damp earth, but nevertheless, still preserving its features and some of its colours.

To be continued next week...

Last week's question was: What was the name of the Capuchin priest in Auray that Nicolazic spoke to? The answer: Fr Modest

Marcia Mellor was the first name out of the hat with the correct answer ~ congratulations! Email me with your address Marcia, and I'll post the St Anne chaplet you see above to you!

For all those ladies who entered last week's draw, feel free to answer this week's draw, answering the new question below.

Here is an image of this week's St Anne chaplet:

To have a chance to win this week's heirloom quality St Anne chaplet made from gemstones, swarovski crystals and a solid bronze vintage reproduction St Anne d'Auray medal answer the following question:

Q: Why could two of the peasant men, called upon by Nicholazic to follow the torch, not see it?

Email me the answer with your name and email address written next to the answer. Come back next Tuesday to see if you have won!