Memorial of Saints Anne and Joachim, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Diary of the 137th Annual Novena to St. Anne
St. Anne Shrine – Fiskdale
Administrated by the Assumptionist
The concluding Mass of the Novena was presided by Monignor Richard Reidy, who serves the Diocese of Worcester as Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia. The Assumptionists that concelebrated the Mass were Father Richard Lamoureaux, A.A., Father Luc Martel, A.A., Father John Franck, A.A., Father Alex Castro, A.A. and Brother Elmer Lagman Vergara, A.A.
The Gospel for the evening was Matthew 13:16-28. Monsignor Reidy opened his homily with thanks to all the people who have filled the pavilion in years past, who walked these grounds, appealing to Good Saint Anne the last 137 years.
Monsignor Reidy reminded the congregation that we are all part of something bigger. That can be easily seen on the grounds of the Shrine, where statues remind us, where icons are displayed, all leading us to Saint Anne, who surely leads us to Jesus, her grandson. We are all part of Jesus’ sacrifice, and those who went before us.
The plan of solidarity is Saint Anne and the Blessed Mother and Jesus Christ. Jesus gives us the bread of life for our journey, and truly, He gives us eternal life. By God’s grace, we encounter Jesus, and we also united to Him in the Eucharist. We experience what Abraham and Ezekiel longed for, the coming of our Savior in the Sacrament.
Death is overcome by the Holy Eucharist. We are united with God, his Holy Saints and each other in the sacrament. Monsignor spoke about the number of ‘others’ who participated in the Novena, the Polish, the Brazilians, the Africans, the Vietnamese, the Hispanic, the Filipino and many more. The Novena was part of the lives of the Deacons, religious brothers, Lay Assumptionists and more.
Throughout our days and the year to come, we find strength in Christ because the weight of the Cross leads us to Heaven. Msgr. Reidy reminded us of the recently concluded National Eucharistic Conference, which was preceded by 6,500 miles of processions with a deep love and appreciation of the Holy Eucharist. This is related to the theme of the Novena, My Flesh for the Life of the World.
Monsignor Reidy concluded his homily with a prayer, that Good Saint Anne intercedes for us, and that we may forever share in the glory of his reign.
After the Mass, Monsignor Reidy led a candle lit procession, with the other Priests, the relic and statue of Saint Anne, and the congregation to the Holy Family Statue. The intentions from the past nine days were burned, and Monsignor Reidy blessed the group assembled.
