July 22 – Sainte-Anne-d’Auray, France
JULY 22 - Sainte-Anne-d'Auray, France
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? (1 Corinthians 6.19)
Devotion to Saint Anne has deeply marked Brittany, where the shrine of Sainte-Anne-d’Auray is located. This place became well known through Saint Anne herself, who appeared to a farmer, Yvon Nicolazic, on July 25, 1624. She said to him in Breton: “Do not be afraid. I am Anne, the mother of Mary. I wish that the chapel dedicated to me be rebuilt as soon as possible, and that you take care of it, because God wants me to be honoured there.”
Indeed, the field he was working had once been the site of a chapel dedicated to Saint Anne, dating back to the eighth century. A few months later, an old statue was discovered and brought out of the ground. Soon, crowds began to gather. Many miracles were reported: conversions, healings and rescues.
This is how the shrine of Sainte-Anne-d’Auray came to be, now welcoming on average 800,000 pilgrims each year. On July 26, 2025, a pontifical Mass was celebrated to mark the 400th anniversary of Saint Anne’s apparition. I have made a pilgrimage there myself – which is not surprising for someone from Quebec, since Saint Anne is not only the patron saint of Brittany but of Quebec, too. She is also the patron saint of expectant mothers and families, as well as lacemakers and carpenters. A strong bond of fraternity and spirituality unites the shrines of Sainte-Anne-d’Auray and Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.
The Christian faith is not abstract. It is rooted in history and expressed through concrete signs and visible forms that speak to believers: shrines, icons, paintings, mosaics, relics, statues and medals. The faithful need to see, to touch, to pray quietly, and to express their love for saints like Anne and Mary, who feel close to their daily concerns.
This popular devotion shows how fruitful faith in God can be, even as its expressions vary throughout history. When they are well integrated into daily life, these practices can nourish our spiritual life. Think of pilgrimages, Stations of the Cross, processions, local celebrations and novenas.
The Second Vatican Council reminds us that true devotion is never separated from a deep faith – like devotion to Saint Anne and the Virgin Mary – which is always directed toward God.
Saint Mary and Saint Anne, increase our faith in Jesus. Teach us to say “yes” to his word as we reflect on the gospel, for the greater glory of the Father.