Roman Inc St Anne Patron of Mothers and Wives 50277.

Anne is known as being a woman of great piety who came to Jerusalem from Galilee with her husband Joachim, both already advanced in years. According to the second-century Gospel of James, they were both descendants of the tribe of Judah and the house of David.

The fact that they had no children after many years of marriage brought great shame to them by their neighbors. According to the custom of the time, Joachim was not allowed to make sacrifices in the temple, as it was felt that their childlessness was a sign the they had fallen from favor with God. While she was praying, an angel appeared to her to announce that she would conceive, and that her child would be blessed by all the world. Joachim returned from his fasting to announce that he too had been visited by an angel who had given him the same good news.

Anne gave birth to Mary, who was to become the mother of the Messiah. Because of the extraordinary events which preceded Marys arrival, her parents decided that this must be a child who would be highly favoured by God. Marys parents brought her to the Temple as a little girl to be presented and dedicated to God.

Veneration of St. Anne has occurred since the earliest times of the church. She is often invoked during pregnancy, and is a special patron of mothers, childless women and widows.

Feast Day: July 26

Prayer to St. Anne.

O God, you bestowed on St Anne such grace that she was found worthy to become the mother of Mary, who brought forth your only begotten son. Grant that we may be helped by her intercession.

Approximate Height: 7cm

Made From: Resin and Stone Mix