| Traditional Roman Catholicism |
St. Anne with the Young Mary
LUCA GIORDANO c. 1660
LUCA GIORDANO c. 1660
The Dignity and Sanctity of Saint Anne
How holy must have been the woman in whom the great mystery of the Immaculate Conception was
accomplished! How holy the womb into which the fullness of grace descended, in which the child "full of grace"
was conceived and took flesh! Great was the dignity of St. Elizabeth, the mother of St. John the Baptist, who was
privileged to have her son sanctified in her womb; but how much greater is the dignity of St. Anne, whose child, by
a special prerogative, from the first instant of her conception was preserved from all taint of sin! Holy was the root
from which sprouted the tree that bore the holiest Fruit, Jesus. St. Anne's sanctity was increased still more through
this wonderful conception: and indeed, how highly must she have been sanctified who bore the Mother of God!
Is it any wonder that St. Jerome praises her in the words: "Anne is the glorious tree from which bloomed a twig
under Divine influence. She is the sublime heaven from whose heights the Star of the Sea neared its rising. She
is the blessed barren woman, happy mother among mothers, from whose pure womb came forth the shining
temple of God, the sanctuary of the Holy Ghost, the Mother of God!"
Yes, great indeed was the privilege and dignity conferred by God on St. Anne in electing her to be the mother of
the treasury of all graces! How great must have been St. Anne's joy, how blissful her delight, when, contrary to all
hope, she gave birth to a child! And what a child! Never before had earth beheld a child so fair and noble as
Anne's infant daughter, "conceived without stain of Original Sin." Never had there been a maternity so rich in
blessings as hers-----she who was privileged to call her child by the exalted title of "Mother of God."
Well indeed might St. John Damascene, a great Doctor of the Church, exclaim: "Blessed, thrice blessed art thou,
O Saint Anne, who didst receive from God and bring forth the blessed child from whom proceeded Christ, the
Flower of life! We congratulate thee, O blessed Anne, on the dignity of being the mother of Mary, for thou hast
brought forth our common hope, the germ of Promise! All pious lips bless thee in thy daughter, all languages
glorify thy child! Worthy art thou above all praise, worthy of the praise of all who are redeemed, for thou hast given
life to her who brought forth our Savior, Jesus Christ."
Even her name "Anne" signifies "gracious, loving" and typifies her sublime destiny. She too had been chosen by
God from eternity, and to her, as to her daughter, Mary, may be applied the words: "The Lord possessed me in the
beginning of His ways . . . I was set up from eternity." [Prov. 8: 22-23] God prepared St. Anne with magnificent gifts
and graces. Of her may be said what St. Bernardine of Siena wrote of St. Joseph: "In the kingdom of grace the
universal rule is: If God elects anyone for a special privilege and a sublime state, He bestows on that person all
the gifts necessary for his state and adornment."
"Anne was the most chaste of virgins," wrote Mary of Agreda in The Mystical City of God. "From her very
childhood, she possessed the fullness of every virtue. She was continually engaged in devout meditation. Her
unceasing prayer was that the Redeemer might come soon."
As the works of God are perfect, it was natural to expect that He should make St. Anne a worthy mother of that
most pure creature who was superior in sanctity to all creatures and inferior only to God. Had St. Anne not been
adorned with angelic purity, she could not have become the mother of the Virgin of virgins. The great miracle of
Mary's Immaculate Conception fittingly took place in St. Anne's pure womb.
In her visions, the servant of God, Anne Catherine Emmerich, beheld St. Anne in ecstasy, enveloped in heavenly
splendor and surrounded by a host of Angels at the moment of Mary's Immaculate Conception. She beheld how
the heavens opened, and she saw the holy Angels and the Most Holy Trinity rejoice. Equally great was the
jubilation at the Blessed Virgin's birth. These are but a few rays of St. Anne's dignity and sanctity.
Veneration of Saint Anne
How long has St. Anne been honored by Catholics? Baronius, a celebrated ecclesiastical writer, says:
"Veneration of St. Anne is as ancient as the Church itself. In the East and in the West, she has been venerated
from the beginning." It is related that the Apostles themselves transformed St. Anne's dwelling at Jerusalem into a
church. Why is St. Anne one of the most popular Saints of Holy Church? Because of the plenitude of her virtues,
the height of her exalted dignity and her close relationship with the holiest of all persons, Jesus and Mary. After St.
Joseph, no Saint enjoys such widespread veneration as good St. Anne. It would be impossible to enumerate the
churches and chapels dedicated to her and the many places of pilgrimage where, in the course of centuries,
manifold favors have been granted and astounding miracles wrought. The number of churches having an altar or
image in honor of St. Anne is constantly increasing.
Love and veneration of the faithful for St. Anne is manifested in a practical way by giving the name "Anne" to
girls in Baptism. Certainly, after the name of Mary, none is more beautiful. Frequently the two names, Mary and
Anne, are combined.
Miraculous Discovery of Relics
According to a most ancient and uninterrupted tradition, the body of St. Anne was carried to Gaul [a province of
the Roman empire which included what are now the countries of France and upper Italy] by the same vessel which
carried Lazarus and his sisters there. During the first century of the Christian era, these friends of Our Lord were
banished from Palestine because of their faith. From their hands St. Anne's precious remains were taken for
safekeeping to the city of Apta Julia, which in our own times is the city of Apt, France. In those stormy days of
persecution, it was necessary to hide the relics of the Martyrs and Saints.
Consequently, the body of St. Anne was buried in an underground church or crypt. The martyrology of Apt, one of
the most ancient in existence, mentions this fact.
The first bishop of Apta Julia, St. Auspicius, who died before 118, took further precautions to guard this holy
treasure from desecration and had the body buried still deeper in the subterranean chapel. All approach to it was
carefully concealed till persecutions and invasions should have ceased. For centuries, the country was repeatedly
overrun by hordes of barbarians, and it was only natural that during these agitated years the precise spot where
St. Auspicius had carefully hidden his treasure became lost in obscurity.
After Charlemagne's decisive victory over the Saracens at the close of the eighth century, peace and security
returned to Gaul. It was then that the people began to restore and rebuild the holy places destroyed or desecrated
by the invaders. Priests and bishops of Apta Julia began to seek for the exact Spot in the deep crypt where St.
Auspicius had hidden and walled up the sarcophagus of St. Anne.
Charlemagne's first care on his arrival at Apt was to have the cathedral reconsecrated. This took place during the
Easter solemnities, in the presence of an enormous crowd of nobles, clergy and people. But there was one cause
of sadness amid all the rejoicing, namely, that every effort to find the remains of St. Anne had proved fruitless. A
miracle, however, was to lead to the discovery of her resting place, as is related by Charlemagne in a letter to
Pope Adrian I.
Among the young nobles who accompanied their parents on this occasion was John, a lad of fourteen, the son of
Baron Casanova, deaf, dumb and blind from birth. People near the boy in the sanctuary remarked that during the
services he was carried away by some overpowering emotion. With rapt and upturned face he seemed to be
listening to voices from above. Presently, he moved toward the high altar, struck with his staff the steps leading up
to it and made signs that they should dig there. His persistence caused considerable disturbance amid the solemn
rites, but neither the clergy nor the royal guards could quiet or restrain the youth.
Charlemagne was deeply impressed. After Mass, he commanded that the excavation desired by the boy should
be made. The altar steps were removed and a door, closed up with huge stones, was revealed. This was the door
of the ancient crypt in which St. Auspicius had been accustomed to celebrate the holy Mysteries and to feed his
flock with the Bread of Life. Its size and adornments reminded one of the Roman catacombs. No sooner had this
door been opened and the flight of steps leading down from it disclosed than the blind boy rushed forward, as if
his eyes had been suddenly opened, and led the way into this underground church. Charlemagne now held the
boy's hand and gave orders to keep back the excited multitude.
John made signs that they should search farther, and he struck the wall of the crypt, indicating that what they
sought lay beyond. When the wall was broken down, another and lower crypt was discovered at the end of a long
and narrow corridor. As they came in view of this crypt, a bright light flashed upon the Emperor and his assistants.
They beheld, in front of a walled recess, a burning lamp, which flooded the place with unearthly splendor. No
sooner, however, had the Emperor and his cortege entered this place, than the lamp went out. But, more
wonderful still, at that very moment the blind boy could see, speak and hear. "The body of Saint Anne, mother of
the Virgin Mary, Mother of God, is in yonder recess," were his first words.
The awe-stricken Emperor and his followers, at first dumb with amazement, gave vent to their emotion in words of
praise and thanksgiving. The walled recess was thrown open, a sweet fragrance like that of oriental balm filled the
air, and a casket of cypress wood was discovered containing the body of St. Anne wrapped round and round with
folds of precious cloth. On the casket was the inscription: "Here lies the body of Blessed Anne, mother of the Virgin
Mary."
Charlemagne, with all those present, venerated the sacred deposit thus brought to light. Afterward he had an
exact narrative of the discovery drawn up by one of his notaries and a copy sent to the Pope with the royal letter.
This letter and the Pope's answer are still extant.
The miraculous discovery at once made the Cathedral of Apt the center of attraction for Christian pilgrims from
every part of Gaul. In the wars which followed the reign of Charlemagne down to our own times, the clergy and
people of Apt have watched with never failing love over the sacred treasure which is the glory of their city.
Travelers visiting the venerable Cathedral of St. Auspicius will find piles of ex votos, the indisputable testimonies
during eleven centuries of the wonders wrought there by Christ at the intercession of His sainted Grandmother.
The chief cities of Gaul hastened to solicit from the church of Apta Julia portions of the hallowed body thus
miraculously discovered. Fragments detached from the head found their way to various places through the favor of
sovereigns or powerful prelates, but the greatest portion of St. Anne's sacred body still reposes in Apt.
Vienna, Austria, possesses the right hand of St. Anne, which is devoutly venerated in the beautiful church which
bears her name.
An arm of the Saint was solicited and obtained by the Popes and placed under the care of the Benedictine monks
in the magnificent monastery church of St. Paul-Outside-the-Walls in Rome. In May, 1960, the Benedictines gave
the forearm to the Shrine of St. Anne de Beaupré in Canada. [More later on this shrine.]
In the Cathedral of Bologna, Italy, a large portion of the Saint's head is venerated.
Through these precious relics, which have proved efficacious in every kind of distress, miracles have been
wrought-----up to the present day.
The Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Anne
Veneration of St. Anne is closely allied to veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The feasts of Mary's nativity and
presentation are in reality feasts of St. Anne, as all praises referring to the daughter are directed also to the
mother. Mary surpasses all the faithful in veneration, esteem and in tender and filial love for her holy mother. While
Anne and Mary lived on earth, the bond of love that united their hearts was most ardent and intimate. Nor has this
bond been dissolved in Heaven.
Rather, it has been drawn still closer and has become indissoluble for all eternity. Mary once appeared to one of
her clients and asked her to add to her customary Rosary devotion an Our Father and Hail Mary in honor of Mary's
holy mother, St. Anne. "Those who honor St. Anne," said Our Lady, "will obtain great aid in every need, especially
at the hour of death." To another person she said: "The honor you show to my mother is doubly dear and pleasing
to me."
The learned Bollandists relate that a hermit who was especially devoted to the Blessed Virgin was once seized
with bitter anguish of spirit. He fled for refuge to the Queen of Heaven. Radiant with splendor, Mary appeared to
him and said: "Since you are lovingly devoted to me, I will take away all your grief and sorrow of soul, but I
admonish you to venerate and praise my dear mother also, if you desire great graces from me. I am highly pleased
with the affection accorded to my beloved mother. Know, too, that my Son, Jesus, has promised to deliver from
misfortune all who honor my mother and to assist them in attaining eternal glory. My son, practice this devotion
and make it known."
After speaking these words, Mary vanished, leaving a heavenly perfume in the hermit's cell. The anchorite
faithfully complied with the request of the Virgin Mother. From that time on, to every greeting addressed to the
Queen of Heaven, he added the prayer: "And blessed be thy sweet mother, Anne, from whom thou didst assume
thy virginal flesh."
If we wish to give Mary special joy, let us fervently venerate St. Anne, for every child is pleased to see her mother
honored.
How the Saints Honored Saint Anne
It would be impossible to enumerate the many Saints who practiced great devotion to St. Anne. St. Augustine, the
illustrious Doctor who illumined the Church of God with his profound wisdom, practiced an ardent devotion to St.
Anne. Every year on the Saint's feast, he preached on her virtues and dignity with an eloquence which
encouraged and inspired his numerous hearers.
St. John Damascene, another Doctor of the Church, not only most ardently venerated Mary, but St. Anne as well.
He preached many sermons in her honor and composed books that treated of her glory and dignity. "St. Anne," he
declares in his writing, "is a generous mother, a compassionate mother, a gracious mother, because the word
'Anne' means 'generous, merciful, gracious.' "
St. Thomas Aquinas, hailed as one of the greatest of intellectuals, a prodigy of learning, a pillar of Holy Church,
an angel of wisdom and one of the most eminent Doctors of the Church, was a fervent client of good St. Anne. His
example ought to strengthen our confidence in this privileged Saint and urge us to venerate her most fervently. He
frequently refers to St. Anne and sets forth reasons for honoring her dignity and power. He assures us that the
privilege of aiding man in every distress has been given to good St. Anne.
St. Teresa of Avila, the seraphic virgin and reformer of religious discipline, entertained a tender love of St. Anne.
This highly gifted teacher of prayer delighted to speak of St. Anne's dignity and power, and she inspired those
under her care with a fervent affection for Our Lady's mother. In all convents of the Carmelite Order, she
introduced special devotions to St. Anne. The same was done by St. Bridget in her order.
Anne Catherine Emmerich, who bore the sacred stigmata in her body, said, "In desperate cases of need, I always
invoke the holy mother Anne."
The Power of St. Anne's Intercession
Almighty God privileged St. Anne above all others in choosing her to be the mother of the Queen of Heaven. This
favored Saint ranks high in merit and glory, near to the Word Incarnate and to His most holy Mother. Certainly,
then, St. Anne has great power with God. Yes, assuredly the mother of the most powerful and amiable Virgin is
likewise full of power and mercy.
To many Saints God has granted the power of working miracles. He told His Apostles that they would do greater
things than He had done. Now surely, what He promised to His chosen followers He could not refuse to His own
grandmother! Those related to Him by the ties of blood were dear to Him in life and still have great power through
their intercession. There can be no question, then, that St. Anne has great influence over her Divine Grandson
and that by her intercessory power she can also work miracles in favor of her clients.
Tradition, the history of the Church and the chronicles of various places of pilgrimage have recorded countless
miracles wrought by Christ through the intercession of His Sainted grandmother. Nor have they ceased to this day.
Yearly, hundreds of thousands of persons visit the shrine of St. Anne de Beaupré in Canada alone. Many are
cured of diseases; all are comforted and consoled. These favors serve to strengthen and confirm our trust and
confidence in the power of the intercession of good St. Anne.
The famous and learned Abbot Trithemius practiced an extraordinary devotion to St. Anne and did all in his power
to induce others to venerate her. He wrote a book in her praise in which he says: "To St. Anne God has given the
power to aid in every necessity, because Jesus, her Divine Grandchild according to the flesh, will refuse her no
petition, and Mary, her glorious daughter, supports her every request. Those who venerate good St. Anne shall
want for nothing, either in this life or the next. Believe me, if you love and venerate this Saint, you will experience
how highly God esteems her. He grants all she asks! It would be impossible to enumerate the many graces she
obtains daily for her servants."
The same writer continues: "St. Anne by her intercession dispels melancholy and evil desires. She also aids the
poor, cures the sick and comforts the sorrowing. She removes tribulations and by her intercession obtains for her
clients the grace to eradicate vice and implant virtue. She obtains light for the intellect, strength for the will and
affection for the heart. This powerful Saint has preserved thousands from contagious diseases. Through her
intercession, evil spirits have been expelled. For the barren in the married state, she obtains children and
Heavenly assistance in delivery. She inspires the despairing with trust in God's mercy and excites the tepid to zeal
and fervor. St. Anne has rescued many from imminent death; yes, through her intercession the dead have, in
several instances, been restored to life. Those who worthily venerate St. Anne can obtain aid in every necessity
through her mediation."
Pope Gregory XIII, when introducing the feast of St. Anne into the Church, declared: "We believe that St. Anne
continually intercedes for us with the merciful Lord, for through her great benefits have come to mankind. From her
was born the ever pure and immaculate Virgin Mary, who was found worthy to bring forth Jesus Christ, our
Redeemer."
Pope Gregory XV encourages us thus: "We do not doubt that the more love we show to the mother of Mary, the
more we merit the intercession and aid of the holy Virgin who brought forth the only-begotten Son of God, Our
Lord Jesus Christ."
St. Teresa of Avila often said: "We know and are convinced that our good mother St. Anne helps in all needs,
dangers and tribulations, for Our Lord wishes to show us that He will do also in Heaven what she asks of Him for
us."
The saintly Abbot Trithemius again exhorts us: "Approach St. Anne, your amiable protectress, with full confidence.
Knock at her gates with persevering prayer, because she can obtain for you the forgiveness of your sins and can
open Heaven for you. She lacks nothing that can profit you . . . Believe me, who has already obtained many a
favor through her whom the Queen of Heaven honors as her dearest mother . . . No one knows, no one believes,
how many favors God confers on lovers of St. Anne!"
St. Anne Obtains a Happy Death for Her Clients
As the Blessed Virgin revealed, St. Anne obtains for her clients the grace of a happy death. A priest tells of this
experience of St. Anne's power:
"While I was assistant pastor in the parish of X, I was aroused one night by the ringing of the door bell. A stately
woman, a stranger to me, called up the stairs: 'Father, please go quickly and take the Blessed Sacrament to a
servant in a house upon the hill, for she will not live through the night. The sexton is waiting for you in the church.'
"The sexton had been awakened by the same person. I took the Blessed Sacrament, and we started for the
house. An hour later we arrived. To our great surprise, we found the house locked, and nowhere a sound or a
light. We knocked at the door, but when it was opened, no one knew anything of a servant being ill there, so we
concluded that some person, wishing to make light of us, had deceived us. However, in order that I would not need
to return with the Blessed Sacrament, one of the servants declared her readiness to go to Confession and to
receive Holy Communion. Her suggestion was readily accepted. During her Confession, she began to feel
indisposed. She finished her Confession and received Holy Communion. Before long her condition became worse,
and she was obliged to go to bed. Soon it was evident that her end was near. I administered Extreme Unction and
imparted the indulgence for the dying. Scarcely had this been done when the servant died.
"About her bed hung pictures of many Saints, among which was a large decorated representation of St. Anne.
'This servant,' said the inmates of the house, 'practiced special devotion to St. Anne. In her honor she abstained
from milk every Tuesday.' I have no doubt that the woman who called the sexton and myself was none other than
St. Anne, who obtained for her client this last great favor." Let us practice special devotion to St. Anne in order to
obtain a happy death, upon which depends our happiness for all eternity.
Tuesday Dedicated to Saint Anne
St. Anne obtains numerous favors for those who dedicate Tuesday to her honor. The Blessed Virgin is said to
have revealed to different Saints that she wished them to practice special devotion in honor of her glorious mother
each Tuesday.
An ancient tradition tells us that when St. Anne was about to die, Our Lord addressed her thus:
"Blessed art thou, My beloved grandparent! All who venerate thee shall have blessings for soul and body. If
they invoke thee in their needs, I will hear them for thy name's sake. Since thou dost die on a Tuesday, I appoint
this day for thy honor, and I will grant the prayers of all who honor thee on this day."
Various devotions may be practiced on Tuesdays. It will greatly please St. Anne if on this day we assist at Holy
Mass and receive Holy Communion in her honor and offer it to God in thanksgiving for the prerogatives bestowed
upon her. St. Gertrude beheld in a vision how pleasing it is to the Saints if we thank God for the graces He has
bestowed upon them. It was revealed to her that those who do this will be adorned with the merits of the Saints
they thus honor.
There is also another simple way by which we may show our veneration for St. Anne. We are told that she was
very charitable and gave alms freely. It will give her great joy if we give alms in her honor on Tuesdays.
One may also pray the Hail Mary nine times in honor of the nine months during which she bore
the Immaculate Virgin Mary in her womb.
Clients of St. Anne should devoutly celebrate her Feast Day, July 26, and prepare for it by a novena. Lastly, we
should try to spread devotion to good St. Anne.
Cures and Prodigies
In 1917, Miss Kirby of Newark, New Jersey, experienced a severe pain in her hip. The doctor ordered her not to
use her foot for six weeks. At St. Joseph's Hospital in Paterson, New Jersey, three X-rays were taken and a brace
made for the foot. Miss Kirby wore the brace, though it occasioned her intense pain and caused sores to form on
her foot. She went to several other doctors and had eight more X-rays taken, but treatments were of no avail.
Some doctors declared it to be tuberculosis, others a hip disease.
Concerning her cure in 1920, we quote her own words: "I had heard a great deal of St. Anne's devotion, and the
Sisters of St. Joseph where I attended school told me of the relic of St. Anne. This filled me with great faith and
confidence in St. Anne. My mother was going to take me to another doctor, but I asked her to take me to the
church, where I had the relic applied to my foot, and within one hour I had a complete cure. At once I bought a
statue of St. Anne and had a Mass said in her honor. I promised to return to the same church for a few Sundays, to
do all in my power to spread devotion to St. Anne and to spend one hour a week in the presence of the Blessed
Sacrament in thanksgiving for the great favor which I feel St. Anne granted me. Thanks to God and dear St. Anne!"
The following account is taken from the Annals of Good Saint Anne de Beaupré of August, 1937:
St. Paul, Minn., May 12, 1937
"About four years ago my son, then twenty-two years old, was flying in an airplane with a friend when their plane
crashed and landed in water. Coming down, the plane hit some electric power lines, but through a miracle of God,
my son was saved from being burned to death. The accident, however, left him in such a state that no one thought
he would reach the hospital alive. I happened to be some fifty miles from the town. When they notified me of the
accident, the first thing I thought of was prayer, and I pleaded that my son would live until I reached the hospital.
When I arrived, the nurse took me into the room, and I did not know my own son, for there was not a bone in his
face that was not smashed, and his head was about three times its normal size. The doctors were doing all they
could, but they saw very little hope of recovery.
"I at once implored the help of good St. Anne, who had never failed me, and I begged her to ask the Lord to save
my son, to preserve him from being blind or crippled. I promised to send her the only thing of value I had, a gold
watch, that it might be used for the altar or some such purpose. I stayed beside my son all day and all night, as
they thought the end would come at any time. Toward morning he spoke, telling me not to worry, as he felt he was
going to be all right. In one week's time, my boy walked out of the hospital with me. When people saw him, they
could not believe their eyes.
"After taking treatments for a year [for the accident had left a hole in the roof of his mouth, which made it difficult
for him to eat or drink], he was feeling much better. Now the doctors have put a silver plate in his mouth and he is
back at work again. I wish to thank good St. Anne not only for this, but for the many other favors she has granted
me."-----Mrs. J.L.
"In order to cure an insidious lung infection, two serious operations had to be performed on me. I prayed to St.
Anne and the Blessed Mother to carry me through this ordeal safely. Thanks to them, I am well on the road to
recovery."-----H.K., N.Y.
"It is with a grateful heart that I thank good St. Anne, who, through her powerful intercession with her Divine
Grandson and her beloved Daughter, has obtained my brother's return to the Sacraments after years of neglect.
After twenty years he was reconciled to God on his deathbed and died a truly repentant death. His mind was
crystal clear at the time of his reconciliation; his thoughts were continually on Heaven, and he repeatedly asked
pardon for his sins. This happy death was little short of a miracle, as he had been very bitter against the Church.
St. Anne is truly the Saint of Miracles. For years I prayed to her with confidence that my brother might see the error
of his ways, and she has rewarded my trust."-----Ireland, June, 1962
"St. Anne has helped me through many heartaches and has been with me through the years. Many years ago, I
made a novena to St. Anne for a special favor, promising to name my first child in her honor. My little girl is now
three years old, and her name is Anne. St. Anne has also helped me to overcome a nervous breakdown. I only
wish more people would pray to this wonderful Saint!"-----Mrs. E.U., New Jersey
"For sixteen years my mother suffered from acute rheumatic arthritis, which steadily grew worse. For the past six
months she was unable to kneel and had the greatest difficulty in walking even a short distance. We had to help
her in and out of her chair. We made several novenas to St. Anne for this intention and applied St. Anne's oil to the
affected parts while praying for God's will to be done. Last night, for the first time in six months, she was able to
kneel down without any help. I thank St. Anne from the bottom of my heart for this and countless other favors,
particularly that of sending me a wonderful friend, who has brought me closer to Jesus and to her."-----Miss K.D.,
1961
A CONSTANT FLOW OF TESTIMONIES
Each month the Annals of Good St. Anne, published at the shrine of St. Anne de Beaupré, Quebec, carries
testimonials of marvelous favors obtained through the intercession of this good mother, which proves that her
maternal solicitude extends to all times, to all needs.
The almost unceasing stream of pilgrimages to the shrine speaks louder than words concerning the faith and
confidence which the faithful cherish in St. Anne's intercession. Truly impressive and inspiring is the devotion of
the pilgrims here and at other shrines of this Saint.
The Archconfraternity of Saint Anne
The Archconfraternity of St. Anne de Beaupré, erected in the Basilica of St. Anne de Beaupré, Quebec, Canada,
on April 26, 1887, has since made gigantic progress and has been enriched with many indulgences.
Its object is to glorify St. Anne by rendering her veneration more universal and more practical; to extend to a
greater number of souls those marvelous graces God has been pleased to bestow on her devout clients; to
procure for the faithful, and more especially for poor sinners, for the sick, infirm and dying, the precious privilege of
sharing in the immense union of prayers to St. Anne and in the Masses offered in her honor; to promote better
Christian living.
In order to become a member of the Archconfraternity it is only necessary to be enrolled in the register of
members, either at St. Anne de Beaupré or in any church in which the association may have been erected. If
possible, personal presence is desirable, but in case of impossibility, registration may be made by letter.
Full information regarding pious practices observed by members, indulgences to be gained, etc. can be obtained
from the Archconfraternity located at:
Shrine of St. Anne de Beaupré
10018 Royale Ave.
St. Anne de Beaupré, P.Q. G0A 3C0
CANADA
How holy must have been the woman in whom the great mystery of the Immaculate Conception was
accomplished! How holy the womb into which the fullness of grace descended, in which the child "full of grace"
was conceived and took flesh! Great was the dignity of St. Elizabeth, the mother of St. John the Baptist, who was
privileged to have her son sanctified in her womb; but how much greater is the dignity of St. Anne, whose child, by
a special prerogative, from the first instant of her conception was preserved from all taint of sin! Holy was the root
from which sprouted the tree that bore the holiest Fruit, Jesus. St. Anne's sanctity was increased still more through
this wonderful conception: and indeed, how highly must she have been sanctified who bore the Mother of God!
Is it any wonder that St. Jerome praises her in the words: "Anne is the glorious tree from which bloomed a twig
under Divine influence. She is the sublime heaven from whose heights the Star of the Sea neared its rising. She
is the blessed barren woman, happy mother among mothers, from whose pure womb came forth the shining
temple of God, the sanctuary of the Holy Ghost, the Mother of God!"
Yes, great indeed was the privilege and dignity conferred by God on St. Anne in electing her to be the mother of
the treasury of all graces! How great must have been St. Anne's joy, how blissful her delight, when, contrary to all
hope, she gave birth to a child! And what a child! Never before had earth beheld a child so fair and noble as
Anne's infant daughter, "conceived without stain of Original Sin." Never had there been a maternity so rich in
blessings as hers-----she who was privileged to call her child by the exalted title of "Mother of God."
Well indeed might St. John Damascene, a great Doctor of the Church, exclaim: "Blessed, thrice blessed art thou,
O Saint Anne, who didst receive from God and bring forth the blessed child from whom proceeded Christ, the
Flower of life! We congratulate thee, O blessed Anne, on the dignity of being the mother of Mary, for thou hast
brought forth our common hope, the germ of Promise! All pious lips bless thee in thy daughter, all languages
glorify thy child! Worthy art thou above all praise, worthy of the praise of all who are redeemed, for thou hast given
life to her who brought forth our Savior, Jesus Christ."
Even her name "Anne" signifies "gracious, loving" and typifies her sublime destiny. She too had been chosen by
God from eternity, and to her, as to her daughter, Mary, may be applied the words: "The Lord possessed me in the
beginning of His ways . . . I was set up from eternity." [Prov. 8: 22-23] God prepared St. Anne with magnificent gifts
and graces. Of her may be said what St. Bernardine of Siena wrote of St. Joseph: "In the kingdom of grace the
universal rule is: If God elects anyone for a special privilege and a sublime state, He bestows on that person all
the gifts necessary for his state and adornment."
"Anne was the most chaste of virgins," wrote Mary of Agreda in The Mystical City of God. "From her very
childhood, she possessed the fullness of every virtue. She was continually engaged in devout meditation. Her
unceasing prayer was that the Redeemer might come soon."
As the works of God are perfect, it was natural to expect that He should make St. Anne a worthy mother of that
most pure creature who was superior in sanctity to all creatures and inferior only to God. Had St. Anne not been
adorned with angelic purity, she could not have become the mother of the Virgin of virgins. The great miracle of
Mary's Immaculate Conception fittingly took place in St. Anne's pure womb.
In her visions, the servant of God, Anne Catherine Emmerich, beheld St. Anne in ecstasy, enveloped in heavenly
splendor and surrounded by a host of Angels at the moment of Mary's Immaculate Conception. She beheld how
the heavens opened, and she saw the holy Angels and the Most Holy Trinity rejoice. Equally great was the
jubilation at the Blessed Virgin's birth. These are but a few rays of St. Anne's dignity and sanctity.
Veneration of Saint Anne
How long has St. Anne been honored by Catholics? Baronius, a celebrated ecclesiastical writer, says:
"Veneration of St. Anne is as ancient as the Church itself. In the East and in the West, she has been venerated
from the beginning." It is related that the Apostles themselves transformed St. Anne's dwelling at Jerusalem into a
church. Why is St. Anne one of the most popular Saints of Holy Church? Because of the plenitude of her virtues,
the height of her exalted dignity and her close relationship with the holiest of all persons, Jesus and Mary. After St.
Joseph, no Saint enjoys such widespread veneration as good St. Anne. It would be impossible to enumerate the
churches and chapels dedicated to her and the many places of pilgrimage where, in the course of centuries,
manifold favors have been granted and astounding miracles wrought. The number of churches having an altar or
image in honor of St. Anne is constantly increasing.
Love and veneration of the faithful for St. Anne is manifested in a practical way by giving the name "Anne" to
girls in Baptism. Certainly, after the name of Mary, none is more beautiful. Frequently the two names, Mary and
Anne, are combined.
Miraculous Discovery of Relics
According to a most ancient and uninterrupted tradition, the body of St. Anne was carried to Gaul [a province of
the Roman empire which included what are now the countries of France and upper Italy] by the same vessel which
carried Lazarus and his sisters there. During the first century of the Christian era, these friends of Our Lord were
banished from Palestine because of their faith. From their hands St. Anne's precious remains were taken for
safekeeping to the city of Apta Julia, which in our own times is the city of Apt, France. In those stormy days of
persecution, it was necessary to hide the relics of the Martyrs and Saints.
Consequently, the body of St. Anne was buried in an underground church or crypt. The martyrology of Apt, one of
the most ancient in existence, mentions this fact.
The first bishop of Apta Julia, St. Auspicius, who died before 118, took further precautions to guard this holy
treasure from desecration and had the body buried still deeper in the subterranean chapel. All approach to it was
carefully concealed till persecutions and invasions should have ceased. For centuries, the country was repeatedly
overrun by hordes of barbarians, and it was only natural that during these agitated years the precise spot where
St. Auspicius had carefully hidden his treasure became lost in obscurity.
After Charlemagne's decisive victory over the Saracens at the close of the eighth century, peace and security
returned to Gaul. It was then that the people began to restore and rebuild the holy places destroyed or desecrated
by the invaders. Priests and bishops of Apta Julia began to seek for the exact Spot in the deep crypt where St.
Auspicius had hidden and walled up the sarcophagus of St. Anne.
Charlemagne's first care on his arrival at Apt was to have the cathedral reconsecrated. This took place during the
Easter solemnities, in the presence of an enormous crowd of nobles, clergy and people. But there was one cause
of sadness amid all the rejoicing, namely, that every effort to find the remains of St. Anne had proved fruitless. A
miracle, however, was to lead to the discovery of her resting place, as is related by Charlemagne in a letter to
Pope Adrian I.
Among the young nobles who accompanied their parents on this occasion was John, a lad of fourteen, the son of
Baron Casanova, deaf, dumb and blind from birth. People near the boy in the sanctuary remarked that during the
services he was carried away by some overpowering emotion. With rapt and upturned face he seemed to be
listening to voices from above. Presently, he moved toward the high altar, struck with his staff the steps leading up
to it and made signs that they should dig there. His persistence caused considerable disturbance amid the solemn
rites, but neither the clergy nor the royal guards could quiet or restrain the youth.
Charlemagne was deeply impressed. After Mass, he commanded that the excavation desired by the boy should
be made. The altar steps were removed and a door, closed up with huge stones, was revealed. This was the door
of the ancient crypt in which St. Auspicius had been accustomed to celebrate the holy Mysteries and to feed his
flock with the Bread of Life. Its size and adornments reminded one of the Roman catacombs. No sooner had this
door been opened and the flight of steps leading down from it disclosed than the blind boy rushed forward, as if
his eyes had been suddenly opened, and led the way into this underground church. Charlemagne now held the
boy's hand and gave orders to keep back the excited multitude.
John made signs that they should search farther, and he struck the wall of the crypt, indicating that what they
sought lay beyond. When the wall was broken down, another and lower crypt was discovered at the end of a long
and narrow corridor. As they came in view of this crypt, a bright light flashed upon the Emperor and his assistants.
They beheld, in front of a walled recess, a burning lamp, which flooded the place with unearthly splendor. No
sooner, however, had the Emperor and his cortege entered this place, than the lamp went out. But, more
wonderful still, at that very moment the blind boy could see, speak and hear. "The body of Saint Anne, mother of
the Virgin Mary, Mother of God, is in yonder recess," were his first words.
The awe-stricken Emperor and his followers, at first dumb with amazement, gave vent to their emotion in words of
praise and thanksgiving. The walled recess was thrown open, a sweet fragrance like that of oriental balm filled the
air, and a casket of cypress wood was discovered containing the body of St. Anne wrapped round and round with
folds of precious cloth. On the casket was the inscription: "Here lies the body of Blessed Anne, mother of the Virgin
Mary."
Charlemagne, with all those present, venerated the sacred deposit thus brought to light. Afterward he had an
exact narrative of the discovery drawn up by one of his notaries and a copy sent to the Pope with the royal letter.
This letter and the Pope's answer are still extant.
The miraculous discovery at once made the Cathedral of Apt the center of attraction for Christian pilgrims from
every part of Gaul. In the wars which followed the reign of Charlemagne down to our own times, the clergy and
people of Apt have watched with never failing love over the sacred treasure which is the glory of their city.
Travelers visiting the venerable Cathedral of St. Auspicius will find piles of ex votos, the indisputable testimonies
during eleven centuries of the wonders wrought there by Christ at the intercession of His sainted Grandmother.
The chief cities of Gaul hastened to solicit from the church of Apta Julia portions of the hallowed body thus
miraculously discovered. Fragments detached from the head found their way to various places through the favor of
sovereigns or powerful prelates, but the greatest portion of St. Anne's sacred body still reposes in Apt.
Vienna, Austria, possesses the right hand of St. Anne, which is devoutly venerated in the beautiful church which
bears her name.
An arm of the Saint was solicited and obtained by the Popes and placed under the care of the Benedictine monks
in the magnificent monastery church of St. Paul-Outside-the-Walls in Rome. In May, 1960, the Benedictines gave
the forearm to the Shrine of St. Anne de Beaupré in Canada. [More later on this shrine.]
In the Cathedral of Bologna, Italy, a large portion of the Saint's head is venerated.
Through these precious relics, which have proved efficacious in every kind of distress, miracles have been
wrought-----up to the present day.
The Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Anne
Veneration of St. Anne is closely allied to veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The feasts of Mary's nativity and
presentation are in reality feasts of St. Anne, as all praises referring to the daughter are directed also to the
mother. Mary surpasses all the faithful in veneration, esteem and in tender and filial love for her holy mother. While
Anne and Mary lived on earth, the bond of love that united their hearts was most ardent and intimate. Nor has this
bond been dissolved in Heaven.
Rather, it has been drawn still closer and has become indissoluble for all eternity. Mary once appeared to one of
her clients and asked her to add to her customary Rosary devotion an Our Father and Hail Mary in honor of Mary's
holy mother, St. Anne. "Those who honor St. Anne," said Our Lady, "will obtain great aid in every need, especially
at the hour of death." To another person she said: "The honor you show to my mother is doubly dear and pleasing
to me."
The learned Bollandists relate that a hermit who was especially devoted to the Blessed Virgin was once seized
with bitter anguish of spirit. He fled for refuge to the Queen of Heaven. Radiant with splendor, Mary appeared to
him and said: "Since you are lovingly devoted to me, I will take away all your grief and sorrow of soul, but I
admonish you to venerate and praise my dear mother also, if you desire great graces from me. I am highly pleased
with the affection accorded to my beloved mother. Know, too, that my Son, Jesus, has promised to deliver from
misfortune all who honor my mother and to assist them in attaining eternal glory. My son, practice this devotion
and make it known."
After speaking these words, Mary vanished, leaving a heavenly perfume in the hermit's cell. The anchorite
faithfully complied with the request of the Virgin Mother. From that time on, to every greeting addressed to the
Queen of Heaven, he added the prayer: "And blessed be thy sweet mother, Anne, from whom thou didst assume
thy virginal flesh."
If we wish to give Mary special joy, let us fervently venerate St. Anne, for every child is pleased to see her mother
honored.
How the Saints Honored Saint Anne
It would be impossible to enumerate the many Saints who practiced great devotion to St. Anne. St. Augustine, the
illustrious Doctor who illumined the Church of God with his profound wisdom, practiced an ardent devotion to St.
Anne. Every year on the Saint's feast, he preached on her virtues and dignity with an eloquence which
encouraged and inspired his numerous hearers.
St. John Damascene, another Doctor of the Church, not only most ardently venerated Mary, but St. Anne as well.
He preached many sermons in her honor and composed books that treated of her glory and dignity. "St. Anne," he
declares in his writing, "is a generous mother, a compassionate mother, a gracious mother, because the word
'Anne' means 'generous, merciful, gracious.' "
St. Thomas Aquinas, hailed as one of the greatest of intellectuals, a prodigy of learning, a pillar of Holy Church,
an angel of wisdom and one of the most eminent Doctors of the Church, was a fervent client of good St. Anne. His
example ought to strengthen our confidence in this privileged Saint and urge us to venerate her most fervently. He
frequently refers to St. Anne and sets forth reasons for honoring her dignity and power. He assures us that the
privilege of aiding man in every distress has been given to good St. Anne.
St. Teresa of Avila, the seraphic virgin and reformer of religious discipline, entertained a tender love of St. Anne.
This highly gifted teacher of prayer delighted to speak of St. Anne's dignity and power, and she inspired those
under her care with a fervent affection for Our Lady's mother. In all convents of the Carmelite Order, she
introduced special devotions to St. Anne. The same was done by St. Bridget in her order.
Anne Catherine Emmerich, who bore the sacred stigmata in her body, said, "In desperate cases of need, I always
invoke the holy mother Anne."
The Power of St. Anne's Intercession
Almighty God privileged St. Anne above all others in choosing her to be the mother of the Queen of Heaven. This
favored Saint ranks high in merit and glory, near to the Word Incarnate and to His most holy Mother. Certainly,
then, St. Anne has great power with God. Yes, assuredly the mother of the most powerful and amiable Virgin is
likewise full of power and mercy.
To many Saints God has granted the power of working miracles. He told His Apostles that they would do greater
things than He had done. Now surely, what He promised to His chosen followers He could not refuse to His own
grandmother! Those related to Him by the ties of blood were dear to Him in life and still have great power through
their intercession. There can be no question, then, that St. Anne has great influence over her Divine Grandson
and that by her intercessory power she can also work miracles in favor of her clients.
Tradition, the history of the Church and the chronicles of various places of pilgrimage have recorded countless
miracles wrought by Christ through the intercession of His Sainted grandmother. Nor have they ceased to this day.
Yearly, hundreds of thousands of persons visit the shrine of St. Anne de Beaupré in Canada alone. Many are
cured of diseases; all are comforted and consoled. These favors serve to strengthen and confirm our trust and
confidence in the power of the intercession of good St. Anne.
The famous and learned Abbot Trithemius practiced an extraordinary devotion to St. Anne and did all in his power
to induce others to venerate her. He wrote a book in her praise in which he says: "To St. Anne God has given the
power to aid in every necessity, because Jesus, her Divine Grandchild according to the flesh, will refuse her no
petition, and Mary, her glorious daughter, supports her every request. Those who venerate good St. Anne shall
want for nothing, either in this life or the next. Believe me, if you love and venerate this Saint, you will experience
how highly God esteems her. He grants all she asks! It would be impossible to enumerate the many graces she
obtains daily for her servants."
The same writer continues: "St. Anne by her intercession dispels melancholy and evil desires. She also aids the
poor, cures the sick and comforts the sorrowing. She removes tribulations and by her intercession obtains for her
clients the grace to eradicate vice and implant virtue. She obtains light for the intellect, strength for the will and
affection for the heart. This powerful Saint has preserved thousands from contagious diseases. Through her
intercession, evil spirits have been expelled. For the barren in the married state, she obtains children and
Heavenly assistance in delivery. She inspires the despairing with trust in God's mercy and excites the tepid to zeal
and fervor. St. Anne has rescued many from imminent death; yes, through her intercession the dead have, in
several instances, been restored to life. Those who worthily venerate St. Anne can obtain aid in every necessity
through her mediation."
Pope Gregory XIII, when introducing the feast of St. Anne into the Church, declared: "We believe that St. Anne
continually intercedes for us with the merciful Lord, for through her great benefits have come to mankind. From her
was born the ever pure and immaculate Virgin Mary, who was found worthy to bring forth Jesus Christ, our
Redeemer."
Pope Gregory XV encourages us thus: "We do not doubt that the more love we show to the mother of Mary, the
more we merit the intercession and aid of the holy Virgin who brought forth the only-begotten Son of God, Our
Lord Jesus Christ."
St. Teresa of Avila often said: "We know and are convinced that our good mother St. Anne helps in all needs,
dangers and tribulations, for Our Lord wishes to show us that He will do also in Heaven what she asks of Him for
us."
The saintly Abbot Trithemius again exhorts us: "Approach St. Anne, your amiable protectress, with full confidence.
Knock at her gates with persevering prayer, because she can obtain for you the forgiveness of your sins and can
open Heaven for you. She lacks nothing that can profit you . . . Believe me, who has already obtained many a
favor through her whom the Queen of Heaven honors as her dearest mother . . . No one knows, no one believes,
how many favors God confers on lovers of St. Anne!"
St. Anne Obtains a Happy Death for Her Clients
As the Blessed Virgin revealed, St. Anne obtains for her clients the grace of a happy death. A priest tells of this
experience of St. Anne's power:
"While I was assistant pastor in the parish of X, I was aroused one night by the ringing of the door bell. A stately
woman, a stranger to me, called up the stairs: 'Father, please go quickly and take the Blessed Sacrament to a
servant in a house upon the hill, for she will not live through the night. The sexton is waiting for you in the church.'
"The sexton had been awakened by the same person. I took the Blessed Sacrament, and we started for the
house. An hour later we arrived. To our great surprise, we found the house locked, and nowhere a sound or a
light. We knocked at the door, but when it was opened, no one knew anything of a servant being ill there, so we
concluded that some person, wishing to make light of us, had deceived us. However, in order that I would not need
to return with the Blessed Sacrament, one of the servants declared her readiness to go to Confession and to
receive Holy Communion. Her suggestion was readily accepted. During her Confession, she began to feel
indisposed. She finished her Confession and received Holy Communion. Before long her condition became worse,
and she was obliged to go to bed. Soon it was evident that her end was near. I administered Extreme Unction and
imparted the indulgence for the dying. Scarcely had this been done when the servant died.
"About her bed hung pictures of many Saints, among which was a large decorated representation of St. Anne.
'This servant,' said the inmates of the house, 'practiced special devotion to St. Anne. In her honor she abstained
from milk every Tuesday.' I have no doubt that the woman who called the sexton and myself was none other than
St. Anne, who obtained for her client this last great favor." Let us practice special devotion to St. Anne in order to
obtain a happy death, upon which depends our happiness for all eternity.
Tuesday Dedicated to Saint Anne
St. Anne obtains numerous favors for those who dedicate Tuesday to her honor. The Blessed Virgin is said to
have revealed to different Saints that she wished them to practice special devotion in honor of her glorious mother
each Tuesday.
An ancient tradition tells us that when St. Anne was about to die, Our Lord addressed her thus:
"Blessed art thou, My beloved grandparent! All who venerate thee shall have blessings for soul and body. If
they invoke thee in their needs, I will hear them for thy name's sake. Since thou dost die on a Tuesday, I appoint
this day for thy honor, and I will grant the prayers of all who honor thee on this day."
Various devotions may be practiced on Tuesdays. It will greatly please St. Anne if on this day we assist at Holy
Mass and receive Holy Communion in her honor and offer it to God in thanksgiving for the prerogatives bestowed
upon her. St. Gertrude beheld in a vision how pleasing it is to the Saints if we thank God for the graces He has
bestowed upon them. It was revealed to her that those who do this will be adorned with the merits of the Saints
they thus honor.
There is also another simple way by which we may show our veneration for St. Anne. We are told that she was
very charitable and gave alms freely. It will give her great joy if we give alms in her honor on Tuesdays.
One may also pray the Hail Mary nine times in honor of the nine months during which she bore
the Immaculate Virgin Mary in her womb.
Clients of St. Anne should devoutly celebrate her Feast Day, July 26, and prepare for it by a novena. Lastly, we
should try to spread devotion to good St. Anne.
Cures and Prodigies
In 1917, Miss Kirby of Newark, New Jersey, experienced a severe pain in her hip. The doctor ordered her not to
use her foot for six weeks. At St. Joseph's Hospital in Paterson, New Jersey, three X-rays were taken and a brace
made for the foot. Miss Kirby wore the brace, though it occasioned her intense pain and caused sores to form on
her foot. She went to several other doctors and had eight more X-rays taken, but treatments were of no avail.
Some doctors declared it to be tuberculosis, others a hip disease.
Concerning her cure in 1920, we quote her own words: "I had heard a great deal of St. Anne's devotion, and the
Sisters of St. Joseph where I attended school told me of the relic of St. Anne. This filled me with great faith and
confidence in St. Anne. My mother was going to take me to another doctor, but I asked her to take me to the
church, where I had the relic applied to my foot, and within one hour I had a complete cure. At once I bought a
statue of St. Anne and had a Mass said in her honor. I promised to return to the same church for a few Sundays, to
do all in my power to spread devotion to St. Anne and to spend one hour a week in the presence of the Blessed
Sacrament in thanksgiving for the great favor which I feel St. Anne granted me. Thanks to God and dear St. Anne!"
The following account is taken from the Annals of Good Saint Anne de Beaupré of August, 1937:
St. Paul, Minn., May 12, 1937
"About four years ago my son, then twenty-two years old, was flying in an airplane with a friend when their plane
crashed and landed in water. Coming down, the plane hit some electric power lines, but through a miracle of God,
my son was saved from being burned to death. The accident, however, left him in such a state that no one thought
he would reach the hospital alive. I happened to be some fifty miles from the town. When they notified me of the
accident, the first thing I thought of was prayer, and I pleaded that my son would live until I reached the hospital.
When I arrived, the nurse took me into the room, and I did not know my own son, for there was not a bone in his
face that was not smashed, and his head was about three times its normal size. The doctors were doing all they
could, but they saw very little hope of recovery.
"I at once implored the help of good St. Anne, who had never failed me, and I begged her to ask the Lord to save
my son, to preserve him from being blind or crippled. I promised to send her the only thing of value I had, a gold
watch, that it might be used for the altar or some such purpose. I stayed beside my son all day and all night, as
they thought the end would come at any time. Toward morning he spoke, telling me not to worry, as he felt he was
going to be all right. In one week's time, my boy walked out of the hospital with me. When people saw him, they
could not believe their eyes.
"After taking treatments for a year [for the accident had left a hole in the roof of his mouth, which made it difficult
for him to eat or drink], he was feeling much better. Now the doctors have put a silver plate in his mouth and he is
back at work again. I wish to thank good St. Anne not only for this, but for the many other favors she has granted
me."-----Mrs. J.L.
"In order to cure an insidious lung infection, two serious operations had to be performed on me. I prayed to St.
Anne and the Blessed Mother to carry me through this ordeal safely. Thanks to them, I am well on the road to
recovery."-----H.K., N.Y.
"It is with a grateful heart that I thank good St. Anne, who, through her powerful intercession with her Divine
Grandson and her beloved Daughter, has obtained my brother's return to the Sacraments after years of neglect.
After twenty years he was reconciled to God on his deathbed and died a truly repentant death. His mind was
crystal clear at the time of his reconciliation; his thoughts were continually on Heaven, and he repeatedly asked
pardon for his sins. This happy death was little short of a miracle, as he had been very bitter against the Church.
St. Anne is truly the Saint of Miracles. For years I prayed to her with confidence that my brother might see the error
of his ways, and she has rewarded my trust."-----Ireland, June, 1962
"St. Anne has helped me through many heartaches and has been with me through the years. Many years ago, I
made a novena to St. Anne for a special favor, promising to name my first child in her honor. My little girl is now
three years old, and her name is Anne. St. Anne has also helped me to overcome a nervous breakdown. I only
wish more people would pray to this wonderful Saint!"-----Mrs. E.U., New Jersey
"For sixteen years my mother suffered from acute rheumatic arthritis, which steadily grew worse. For the past six
months she was unable to kneel and had the greatest difficulty in walking even a short distance. We had to help
her in and out of her chair. We made several novenas to St. Anne for this intention and applied St. Anne's oil to the
affected parts while praying for God's will to be done. Last night, for the first time in six months, she was able to
kneel down without any help. I thank St. Anne from the bottom of my heart for this and countless other favors,
particularly that of sending me a wonderful friend, who has brought me closer to Jesus and to her."-----Miss K.D.,
1961
A CONSTANT FLOW OF TESTIMONIES
Each month the Annals of Good St. Anne, published at the shrine of St. Anne de Beaupré, Quebec, carries
testimonials of marvelous favors obtained through the intercession of this good mother, which proves that her
maternal solicitude extends to all times, to all needs.
The almost unceasing stream of pilgrimages to the shrine speaks louder than words concerning the faith and
confidence which the faithful cherish in St. Anne's intercession. Truly impressive and inspiring is the devotion of
the pilgrims here and at other shrines of this Saint.
The Archconfraternity of Saint Anne
The Archconfraternity of St. Anne de Beaupré, erected in the Basilica of St. Anne de Beaupré, Quebec, Canada,
on April 26, 1887, has since made gigantic progress and has been enriched with many indulgences.
Its object is to glorify St. Anne by rendering her veneration more universal and more practical; to extend to a
greater number of souls those marvelous graces God has been pleased to bestow on her devout clients; to
procure for the faithful, and more especially for poor sinners, for the sick, infirm and dying, the precious privilege of
sharing in the immense union of prayers to St. Anne and in the Masses offered in her honor; to promote better
Christian living.
In order to become a member of the Archconfraternity it is only necessary to be enrolled in the register of
members, either at St. Anne de Beaupré or in any church in which the association may have been erected. If
possible, personal presence is desirable, but in case of impossibility, registration may be made by letter.
Full information regarding pious practices observed by members, indulgences to be gained, etc. can be obtained
from the Archconfraternity located at:
Shrine of St. Anne de Beaupré
10018 Royale Ave.
St. Anne de Beaupré, P.Q. G0A 3C0
CANADA
"Good St. Anne"
Nihil Obstat: William J. Blacet, J.C.L.
Censor Librorum
Imprimatur: +J. John P. Cody, S.T.D.
Bishop of Kansas City-St. Joseph
December 4, 1957
Nihil Obstat: William J. Blacet, J.C.L.
Censor Librorum
Imprimatur: +J. John P. Cody, S.T.D.
Bishop of Kansas City-St. Joseph
December 4, 1957
The Chaplet of Saint Anne
Litany of Saint Anne
Novena Prayer to Saint Anne
Prayer For A Wayward Child
Memorare To Saint Anne
Litany of Saint Anne
Novena Prayer to Saint Anne
Prayer For A Wayward Child
Memorare To Saint Anne
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