Pilgrimage with Pope Francis - FOURTH STATION - St. Anne, patron of grandparents and single women

Welcome to the fourth station on our virtual pilgrimage to Philadelphia with Pope Francis ahead of the World Meeting of Families. Let us pray!

About St. Anne

Saint Anne is the grandmother of Jesus Christ and mother to the Virgin Mary. Very little is known about her, but she is responsible for the upbringing of Mary, teaching her how to love and obey God and to be ever prepared to do His will.

St. Anne is the patron of grandmothers, single women, and women in labor, among many others who claim her as patrons.

Meditation:

As we rest at the shrine of St. Anne, let us reflect on the importance of grandparents to the upbringing of children. What wondrous things did your grandparents teach you? What kind of grandparent do you hope to be? For us without children, how can we too mentor children around us? What gifts do we have to share?

What can I do to become a good grandparent to those around me?

For those who are single, let us be good, kind, and nurturing souls. As we walk in the way of St. Anne, we will meet our husbands. Let us tend to our duty of being holy women and God provides the rest.

Prayer:

Saint Anne, I aspire to be a good grandparent and a mentor to those around me. Please open my eyes and ears so I may find the ways to be more loving, more caring and more nurturing to those around me, especially children.

Pause and meditate upon this prayer.

Now, let us pray the World Meeting of Families Prayer

God and Father of us all,
in Jesus, your Son and our Savior,
you have made us
your sons and daughters
 in the family of the Church.
May your grace and love
help our families
in every part of the world
be united to one another
in fidelity to the Gospel.
May the example of the Holy Family,
with the aid of your Holy Spirit,
guide all families, especially those most troubled,
to be homes of communion and prayer
and to always seek your truth and live in your love.
Through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, pray for us.

Let us pause and mediate upon this prayer.

Finally, let us offer our intentions to St. Joachim.

(List your intentions)

St. Anne, hear our prayer!

Amen.

Now we invite you to resume your pilgrimage and download the World Meeting of Families prayer. Click the button below to get your free copy.