# Novena to St. Joachim and St. Anne for Healing
*2017-06-26*

> Bill Young leads a novena honoring the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, praying especially for his friend Annette, who is battling cancer.

## Opening and Personal Request

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young. Today is the feast day of St. Anne and St. Joachim, the grandparents of our Lord Jesus. As we begin this novena, I want to lift up my friend Annette, who was recently diagnosed with cancer. A former co‑worker of ours is also facing marital and employment struggles, and I felt led to pray the Marian novena that was first offered on July 13, 1917. I gave a copy of that prayer to Annette, not knowing she would go into surgery just a few days later. Mary’s intercession is powerful, even when we are unaware of it, and I have renewed my own consecration to Mary this past May. I encourage everyone to consider a Marian consecration and the 33‑day “Morning Glory” retreat by Fr. Michael Kelly.

## The Feast of St. Joachim and St. Anne

The liturgical celebration of St. Joachim was established after a vision reported by a woman named Marina de Escobar, who asked Pope Gregory XV for a feast in his honor. The Virgin Mary appeared to her, thanking her for the devotion to her father and promising great reward. We join this feast by invoking the intercession of the holy couple, the parents of Mary.

## Prayer of the Apostles’ Creed

We begin with 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… He was 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, rose again on the third day, ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father… I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.”

## Novena Prayers to St. Anne

Blessed St. Anne, mother of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, we honor you among all mothers. Grant us the grace to live in humble openness and gratitude, awaiting the Lord. Through your patient suffering, obtain for us the graces needed to endure life’s trials. May we grow in charity, trust, and devotion, following your example of love for your daughter Mary. Amen.

## Novena Prayers to St. Joachim

O glorious patriarch St. Joachim, thank you for being chosen to cooperate with divine mysteries and for bringing forth the Mother of God. Through your intercession, grant us the graces we need, especially for Annette, who is battling third‑degree cancer. May she be healed according to God’s will. Strengthen our faith, hope, and charity, and help us to live and die in perfect obedience to the Church. Amen.

## Final Supplication for Annette

Lord Jesus, you raised Lazarus from the dead, showing that you have power over death. We ask you to extend that same mercy to Annette. Though we are not priests, we trust in your promise that those who go forth to proclaim the Gospel may also bring healing. We pray for your will to be done and for Annette’s cure. Amen.

*May the intercession of St. Joachim, St. Anne, and the Blessed Virgin Mary bring healing and hope to those who suffer.*