Happy (Catholic) Grandparents Day! Although we will not publicly celebrate the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne today, because Sunday (“the Day of the Lord”) takes precedence, we can still remember and thank God for these two, the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Today is their Feastday and, although the Scriptures say nothing of them, we can look at the strong character of Mary in making decisions, her continuous practice of prayer, her devotion to the laws of her faith, her steadiness at moments of crisis, and her devotion to her relatives—and notice that all of these indicate a close-knit, loving family that looked forward to the next generation even while retaining the best of the past.
Saints Joachim and Anne represent that entire, quiet series of generations who faithfully performed their duties, practiced their faith, and established an atmosphere for the coming of the Messiah, but nonetheless remained obscure and out of the limelight. They are an inspiration for us all, especially Grandparents today … and so we pray:
Lord Jesus, you were born in the Virgin Mary, the daughter of Saints Joachim and Anne. Look with love today on Grandparents the world over. Protect them! They are a source of enrichment for families, for the Church, and for all of society. Support them! As they grow older, may they continue to be for their families strong pillars of Gospel faith, guardians of noble domestic ideals, and living treasuries of sound religious traditions. Make them teachers of wisdom and courage, that they may pass on to future generations the fruits of their mature human and spiritual experience.
Lord Jesus, please help families and society to value the presence and role of Grandparents. May they never be ignored or excluded, but always encounter respect and love. Help them to live serenely and to feel welcomed in all the years of life which you give them.
Mary, Mother of all the living, keep Grandparents constantly in your care, accompany them on their earthly pilgrimage, and by your prayers, grant that all families may one day be reunited in our heavenly homeland, where you await all humanity for the great embrace of life without end. Through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen!
