The National Shrine of St. Anne is the Perfect Devotion To A Beloved Saint
Saints Anne and Joachim hold a very special place in the Catholic faith as they are the parents of the Virgin Mary and the grandparents of Jesus Himself.
Saint Anne is often depicted in art and literature as a symbol of patience and humility, virtues she passed on to her daughter, Mary. She is a patron saint of mothers and women in labor, which is perfect, as it embodies the nurturing aspect of family life.
Saint Joachim, meanwhile, is honored as a model of fatherhood and fidelity. His devotion to his family and faith highlights the importance of spiritual leadership within the family unit.
Together, Saints Anne and Joachim's commitment to God and their daughter exemplifies the sanctity of the family in the Catholic faith.
In honor of these great saints and their feast day on July 26th, let's take a pilgrimage to one of the many sites named in their honor, a la St. Anne's National Shrine in New York City:
Located at St. Jean Baptiste Church, the National Shrine of St. Anne is a perfect devotion to a much-beloved saint, beginning with a relic: a piece of bone from her arm.
Originating in France but later brought to New York by Monsignor Marquis in 1885, this incredible relic is encased in an intricate golden case surrounded by Old Testament-themed stained glass.
After visiting her relic, you will want to check out the statue depicting St. Anne with her arm around a young Mary.
The statue took over a year to create, with the Church describing that St. Anne is "holding a scroll in one hand and giving her daughter a reassuring touch with her other hand, showing her as Mary's teacher and guide."
In addition. St. Jean Baptiste adds that the "child Mary is pointing to her mother acknowledging the importance of her mother's place in her life."
On the altar, another statue highlights St. Anne and her relationship with her daughter.
As of this publication, mass at St. Jean Baptiste Church takes place Monday through Saturday at noon and on Sunday at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 4 p.m.
To learn more about the National Shrine of St. Anne - including public hours, adoration, and upcoming events, please visit St. Jean Baptiste Church's website.