Rev. Paulus Waris Santoso, O.Carm
Dear brothers and sisters, today we celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Anne, the patroness of our parish. To understand Saint Anne, we must understand several important events in her life, at least three of which involve her. The first event was her conception of Mary in the Immaculate Conception. We celebrate this event on December 8th. The second event was the birth of the Virgin Mary. We celebrate this event on September 8th. The third event is Saint Anne's maternal role in raising Mary until she is ready to become the Mother of the Redeemer.
All of these events are closely related to Saint Anne, although it is Mary who is celebrated. The Latin Church celebrates the feast day of Saint Anne on July 26th. The feast of Saint Anne is usually associated with Saint Joachim, together they are the parents of the Virgin Mary. God chose them to be the parents of the Virgin Mary and, of course, the grandparents of Jesus. Saints Anne and Joachim fulfilled their parental duties well, enabling the Virgin Mary to grow in faith and love, and to listen to God's voice.
How about us? Today, let us praise the merciful God for fulfilling his promises and, through Joachim and Anne, preparing humanity to receive Mary. Let us glorify Saints Anne and Joachim for their faithfulness to God and how they raised Mary, our Mother. They are examples of goodness, love, and joy for grandparents everywhere. In heaven, they intercede for us to obtain the salvation God promises to his people. May everyone who comes to Saint Anne's Church feel the warmth of God's love, just as grandchildren find joy in their grandparents' homes. (*)