This week, on July 26th, the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne (who was our saint of the month), we celebrate Grandparents Day!
We are grateful to our grandparents and all our ancestors. Without them, we would not be where we are today – we wouldn’t be at all! Grandparents are a link in the chain that passes down traditions and values to the younger generations. Their actions shape our parents, whether positively or negatively, but they are an important part of why we become who we are.
Saints Joachim and Anne must have been exemplary models of faith. According to the Protoevangelium of James and the Evangelium of the Nativity of Mary, they were certainly prayerful people. It was their faith that led them to miraculously conceive Mary, in a story that parallels the story of Hannah (or Channah which is actually Jewish for Anne) and Samuel in 1 Samuel. They shaped her to become a woman who follows the will of God (Lk 1:38), who sings God’s praise (Lk 1:46-55), and exhorts us to follow Jesus (Jn 2:5).
It is important to pray for our grandparents, thanking God for their direct and indirect role in helping to shape us, and asking God to bless them, particularly in their endeavours to pass on the faith. Below is a short prayer we can pray on grandparents day, and whenever we want to pray for our grandparents (prayer cards can be purchased here).
Prayer for Grandparents
Heavenly Father,
May saints Joachim and Anne,
the grandparents of your Son, Jesus,
be an everlasting model for grandparents.
Your Wisdom and Word are eternal,
meant for all generations.
Help grandparents, we pray,
as they pass on the rich traditions of the faith
to their beloved family members,
especially their grandchildren.
We are all your children.
Help us to know you better each day,
ultimately leading us,
with our family members,
into eternal life with you.
Amen.
What are some of your treasured memories with your grandparents? How did your grandparents help to shape your faith? What traditions will you continue to pass on when it is your turn to become a grandparent? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments!
Saints Joachim and Anne, pray for us!
Until next time, let’s pray for each other. And remember, we can do Mom things through Christ who strengthens us!
Mom Things Through Christ 