139th Annual St. Anne Novena

One in Christ, United in Mission
July 18–26, 2026

With grateful hearts, the Assumptionists and the parish family of St. Anne–St. Patrick Parish, Fiskdale, Massachusetts, give thanks to God for the many blessings received during the 139th Annual St. Anne Novena. For nine grace-filled days, parishioners, pilgrims, families, and visitors gathered to celebrate the Holy Eucharist, pray together, and honor St. Anne with renewed faith and devotion. Our parish is blessed throughout the year by the permanent presence of the relics of St. Anne, which continue to draw many faithful to prayer and pilgrimage. During the Novena, countless people spent time before the relics, asking for St. Anne’s intercession for their families, loved ones, and personal intentions. This beautiful devotion enriched every celebration and reminded us that St. Anne continues to accompany God’s people with her loving prayers. This year’s theme, “One in Christ, United in Mission,” was reflected in every liturgy. Communities from many cultures shared their traditions, music, languages, and hospitality while celebrating the one Eucharist. Following nearly every evening Mass, the faithful gathered for a Rosary procession around the parish grounds, praying together as one family in Christ.

Day 1 – Filipino Community

The Novena began with the Filipino Community, whose warmth, hospitality, and joyful faith welcomed everyone into nine days of prayer and fellowship. Rev. Alex Castro, A.A. celebrated the liturgy, inviting the congregation to begin the Novena with grateful hearts and trust in the intercession of St. Anne.

Following Mass, parishioners gathered for the Rosary procession, praying together around the parish grounds. Families, visitors, and pilgrims walked together in prayer, reflecting the unity of the Church and the joy of beginning this sacred journey together.

Day 2 – Vietnamese Community

The second evening featured the Vietnamese Community, whose deep reverence and devotion beautifully reflected their rich Catholic heritage. Rev. Peter Tam Bui celebrated the liturgy, and the faithful once again gathered around the altar as one family in Christ.

The evening concluded with the Rosary procession, where voices from many cultures joined together in prayer. It was a beautiful reminder that although we come from different backgrounds, we are united by our faith in Christ.

Day 3 – Hispanic Community

The Hispanic Community brought vibrant faith, joyful participation, and strong family traditions to the third evening. Rev. Hugo Cano celebrated the liturgy, and the celebration reflected the joy of the Gospel through prayer, music, and fellowship.

After Mass, everyone joined the Rosary procession, praying for families, vocations, peace, and the needs of the Church. The evening beautifully celebrated the richness of Hispanic Catholic spirituality while strengthening our unity.

Day 4 – Polish Community

The Polish Community shared its rich Catholic heritage and deep devotion to the saints. Rev. Richard Polek celebrated the liturgy, inspiring the faithful through prayer and reflection.

Because of the rainy weather, the outdoor Rosary procession could not take place that evening. Instead, the community remained inside the church to continue praying together, showing that faith remains strong regardless of the circumstances.

Day 5 – Parish Community

Our Parish Community gathered as one family to celebrate the heart of parish life. Rev. Dominic Mbaeze, A.A. celebrated the liturgy. The Lay Assumptionists led the Rosary and presented the gifts, while the combined choir from St. Anne–St. Patrick, St. Joseph, and St. John Paul II Parishes led the congregation in beautiful sacred music.

The Rosary procession once again united parishioners of every age and background, reminding us that we are one parish family called to live the Gospel together.

Day 6 – African Community

The African Community filled the church with joyful singing, vibrant worship, and heartfelt prayer. Rev. Enoch Kyeremateng celebrated the liturgy, and the celebration reflected the joy and hope of the Gospel.

The evening concluded with another prayerful Rosary procession, where songs and prayers expressed gratitude for God’s blessings and for the gift of our diverse parish family.

Day 7 – Brazilian Community

The Brazilian Community brought warmth, joyful hymns, and generous hospitality to the seventh evening. Rev. Cleber de Paula celebrated the liturgy as parishioners gathered in thanksgiving.

The Rosary procession continued this beautiful Novena tradition, allowing everyone to walk together in prayer while entrusting their intentions to St. Anne.

Day 8 – The Cursillo Movement

The eighth day featured the Cursillo Movement, reminding everyone of the call to Christian friendship, discipleship, and missionary living. Rev. Donald Ouellette celebrated the liturgy and encouraged the faithful to continue living their faith beyond the Novena.

The Rosary procession offered another opportunity to pray together and prepare our hearts for the final celebration.

Day 9 – Feast of Saints Anne and Joachim

The final day began with the Healing Mass celebrated by Rev. Salvator Musande, A.A., where many received the Anointing of the Sick and prayed for healing in body, mind, and spirit.

In the evening, Most Rev. Robert P. Reed, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Boston and Rector of Saint John’s Seminary, celebrated the Closing Mass. The Archdiocese of Boston serves Catholics across eastern Massachusetts and is the metropolitan archdiocese of the Province of Boston. Bishop Reed has served as an Auxiliary Bishop since 2016 and was appointed Rector of Saint John’s Seminary in 2026. Following the liturgy, the community gathered to burn the prayer intentions, symbolically entrusting every prayer to God through the intercession of St. Anne. A final procession concluded the Novena before everyone came together for a special parish dinner filled with gratitude, friendship, and thanksgiving.

A Heartfelt Thank You

The Assumptionists extend heartfelt gratitude to Most Rev. Robert P. Reed, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Boston, every priest who celebrated throughout the Novena, our religious, Lay Assumptionists, choirs, musicians, liturgical ministers, volunteers, hospitality teams, parish staff, and every parishioner, pilgrim, and visitor.

Thank you to every cultural community for sharing your faith, traditions, music, and generous hospitality. Together you gave witness to this year’s theme, “One in Christ, United in Mission.”

As we conclude the 139th Annual St. Anne Novena, we pray that the blessings received through the intercession of St. Anne remain with every family throughout the coming year. We warmly invite you to return for the 140th Annual St. Anne Novena. Bring your family, invite your friends, and join us once again in prayer, worship, fellowship, and thanksgiving. May St. Anne and St. Joachim continue to intercede for us all. Amen