# Novena Prayer to Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary
*2008-07-21*

> Bill Young leads the fourth day of the novena to Saints Joachim and Anne, includes a heartfelt prayer to Mary, Mother of the Sick, and recites the Apostles’ Creed before offering a series of prayers to Saint Anne.

## Prayer to Mary, Mother of the Sick

Stay, O Mary, at the bedside of all the sick of the world—those who have lost consciousness, those who are dying, those who endure long agony, those who have lost hope of healing, the poor who cannot care for themselves, and the immobile. Stay, sorrowful Mother, with those forced by poverty to keep working, with those seeking a painless position in bed but cannot find it, with those tormented by family troubles, with those whose future plans have been shattered, especially those who have lost belief in a better life, those who rebel against God, and those who do not remember Christ’s suffering.

## The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again, ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

## Novena Prayer to Saints Joachim and Anne (Day 4)

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Blessed Saint Anne, for having the Immaculate Virgin Mary as your daughter, we honor you among all mothers. May the grace which God bestowed upon you inspire us to unite our lives to Jesus and the Virgin Mary. Grant us the humility and gratitude to await the Lord, loving our brothers and sisters, that we may one day praise Him forever.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, without end. Amen.

Saint Anne, glorious Mother of Mary, through your patient suffering and steadfast faith, obtain for us the grace to accept all trials of this life with perseverance.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, without end. Amen.

Saint Anne, Mother of God, pray for us. Through your ceaseless intercession, grant us a sincere spirit of prayer, that holy virtue may grow in our hearts.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, without end. Amen.

Saint Anne, Mother of Mary, by your example of charitable sacrifice, inspire us to love as you love, that we may always be merciful to others.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, without end. Amen.

Saint Anne, Mother of the Mother of God, pray for us. May the steadfast trust you placed in God bring us the favor of heavenly graces.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, without end. Amen.

Saint Anne, glorious Mother of Mary, grant us gratitude for the gifts we receive, that we may always be thankful and worthy of further blessings.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, without end. Amen.

Saint Anne, Mother of the Mother of God, pray for us. May we, with holy courage, offer ourselves as a living sacrifice to God, obeying His will and receiving His blessings.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

*May Saint Anne’s example of humble, steadfast faith guide us through life’s trials.*