News

STURBRIDGE — On July 18, the Filipino-led night of the 139th annual Novena to St. Anne at St. Anne Shrine, Assumptionist Brother Elmer Vergara carries a relic of St. Anne in the procession and Filipinos gather by the statue of St. Anne and the Virgin Mary.

We are pleased to share several exciting updates for the closing day of our Annual Novena!
First, our Closing Mass will now be celebrated by Bishop Robert P. Reed, Rector of Saint John’s Seminary. Bishop Reed is well known throughout the Archdiocese of Boston, having served for many years as the leader of Catholic Television. Fr. Chi Ai, who was originally scheduled to be the main celebrant, will now concelebrate the Mass.

Come pray with us at St. Anne—St. Patrick Parish as we honor St. Anne and celebrate our faith as one family in Christ. All are welcome.
DAILY NOVENA SCHEDULE
5:30 PM — Sacrament of Reconciliation in St. Anne Church Sacristy
6:30 PM — Rosary Procession. Begins at the Generations Statue at the Gift Shop
7:00 PM — Novena Mass in Outdoor Pavilion
SUNDAY, JULY 26 – FEAST OF SAINTS ANNE & JOACHIM
New Closing Day Schedule:
12:00 PM – Healing Mass
1:30 PM – Lunch on lawn next to the gift shop
3:00 PM – Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament by Rev. Salvator Musande
4:00 PM – Guided Visit of the Icon Museum, featuring a short presentation by Rev. Luc Martel
6:30 PM – Closing Mass with Bishop Robert P. Reed and Concelebrate Rev. Chi Ai. The parish party will follow the closing Mass, also on lawn next to the gift shop.

The entire day was dedicated to drafting the final documents of the International Missionary Session. Our brothers worked together on a letter to the Superior General, a summary of the insights and experiences that emerged throughout the session, and a series of proposals aimed at strengthening our missionary practice as a Congregation. Every discussion called for careful discernment, collaboration, and openness to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Fr. Vincent Leclercq, General Secretary for Formation and the convoker of our session, opened our final presentation by reflecting on how we can help brothers become more aware of their personal call to mission throughout the whole of their formation. He invited us to discern a true ‘life project’ within the charism of the Assumption, asking how each of our lives can contribute to bringing about the Kingdom of God in us and around us.

A Joyful Sunday Celebration
Sunday began with our brothers joining the parish community of Sts. Peter and Paul for the celebration of the Eucharist. More than 200 children received their First Holy Communion, making it a joyful and memorable occasion for the entire community.

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Dear Parishioners and Pilgrims,
Our 139th Novena to St. Anne begins soon, and we urgently need your help. So far, we have not received any healing stories, and we are hoping to share nine (9) testimonies before the Novena Masses.
Have you, a family member, a friend, or a loved one who has passed away or moved away experienced physical, emotional, or spiritual healing through the intercession of St. Anne at our shrine? If so, we would be honored to hear that story.

Please join the Assumptionists community September 12, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. for the Perpetual Vows of Brother Baraka Chilebo Revocatus, A.A. at St. Columbkille Parish, Brighton MA.  Reception will follow after Mass.

On the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Province of the Religious of the Assumption stands with the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) as it reflects on nearly 300 years of presence, service, and leadership in the United States.