July 24 – Saint Anne: Patron of Grandparents

The Church is a great family, a living body nourished by the faith of its members, with Christ as its head. We pray to the Father in the breath of the Spirit, who bears witness within us that we are children of God. In this movement of faith, God is our Father; Jesus, our brother; the Spirit, our friend; Mary, our mother; Anne, our grandmother; and Joachim, our grandfather.

Turning to Saint Anne helps us recognize the importance of grandparents. They embody the experience, the memory and the tenderness that nourish the hearts of their grandchildren.

Indigenous peoples, who have a deep respect for their ancestors, have a special devotion to Saint Anne, all the more so because she reflects strong family values. This was especially evident during Pope Francis’ penitential pilgrimage to Canada from July 24 to 29, 2022, when he prayed at the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré with members of First Nations communities. In 2021, he also established the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, celebrated throughout the Church on the fourth Sunday of July, close to the feast of Jesus’ grandparents on July 26.

Devotion to Saint Anne reflects the Christian identity passed on from generation to generation by parents and grandparents. Rooted in culture and faith, they ensure a living continuity between past, present and future. This devotion highlights the dignity of every person, the sharing of family values and our responsibility toward one another.

Grandparents who believe bear witness to God’s love through their example and their readiness to forgive. With their experience, they can help their grandchildren discover that there is something beautiful and great within them, since they are created in God’s image. They are called to love them and to trust them, just as God loves and trusts us. Is this not what the gospel of Jesus Christ reveals?

Saint Anne, kindle in us a deep desire to love Jesus and to bear witness to his love each day. May he take shape in our hearts, so that we may live by his Spirit and, together, become one with the Father.