Today is the Catholic feast day of St. Anne and St. Joachim. Who are they? Mary's parents. Not Peter, Paul and Mary. Rather, the MARY (of Mary and Joseph). As far as parents go, they likely had there struggles. Teenage pregnancy. Trusting a daughter who said that she is bearing the Son of God.
I could imagine some easier things to deal with than that.
However, the Catholic Church offers St. Anne and St. Joachim as patron saints of Grandparents.
We have some pretty amazing grandparents for our kids.
I could imagine some easier things to deal with than that.
However, the Catholic Church offers St. Anne and St. Joachim as patron saints of Grandparents.
We have some pretty amazing grandparents for our kids.
These ones are our British connection.
Grandpa is full of energy and silly fun and always makes sure we have something interesting to do (and on schedule). Never a dull moment.
Grandma is a true caretaker and educator. She knows all the songs and rhymes and has more than enough patience to take the time to read and show how anything is done. She is always one step ahead of the rest of us, knowing what we will need before we even know it ourselves.
Grandpa is full of energy and silly fun and always makes sure we have something interesting to do (and on schedule). Never a dull moment.
Grandma is a true caretaker and educator. She knows all the songs and rhymes and has more than enough patience to take the time to read and show how anything is done. She is always one step ahead of the rest of us, knowing what we will need before we even know it ourselves.
Poppa and Nana. Love them. Always there when I hit rock bottom. As grandparents they are amazing. Ysabeau loves skyping with her Poppa and Nana (and Loki the cat - not in picture).
Despite needing a new hip, Poppa jumps off the back of boat in the middle of lake because Ysabeau wants to swim.
Nana provides a wealth of resources from just wise mothering to creative and educational apps and books for the kids.
Despite needing a new hip, Poppa jumps off the back of boat in the middle of lake because Ysabeau wants to swim.
Nana provides a wealth of resources from just wise mothering to creative and educational apps and books for the kids.
Grandma Francine and Grandpa Rick. Our Whitehorse helpers.
We are lucky to have grandparents for our kids close by in the Great White North. I can't count the amount of times that Rick and Francine have come at a moment's call because I have Zumba, or just need help, or a break from the kids.
Mom is our landlord--and a great one at that. Hopefully that is some protection from eviction.
They also cook some mean dinners. Thank God.
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I am so grateful for all these grandparents (parents to me) that I often forget to ask for help from St. Joachim and St. Anne. I have been blessed above and beyond. Not all (just one actually) of my grandparents are Catholic but they infuse so much depth, moral courage and love into our life. I think they would appreciate this prayer none the less.
This Universal Prayer For Grandparents was composed by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI in 2008 for the Catholic Grandparents Association.
PRAYER FOR GRANDPARENTS
Lord Jesus,
you were born of the Virgin Mary,
the daughter of Saints Joachim and Anne.
Look with love 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,
guardian of noble domestic ideals,
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,
help families and society
to value the presence and roles 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 live without end. Amen!
We are lucky to have grandparents for our kids close by in the Great White North. I can't count the amount of times that Rick and Francine have come at a moment's call because I have Zumba, or just need help, or a break from the kids.
Mom is our landlord--and a great one at that. Hopefully that is some protection from eviction.
They also cook some mean dinners. Thank God.
_________________________________
I am so grateful for all these grandparents (parents to me) that I often forget to ask for help from St. Joachim and St. Anne. I have been blessed above and beyond. Not all (just one actually) of my grandparents are Catholic but they infuse so much depth, moral courage and love into our life. I think they would appreciate this prayer none the less.
This Universal Prayer For Grandparents was composed by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI in 2008 for the Catholic Grandparents Association.
PRAYER FOR GRANDPARENTS
Lord Jesus,
you were born of the Virgin Mary,
the daughter of Saints Joachim and Anne.
Look with love 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,
guardian of noble domestic ideals,
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,
help families and society
to value the presence and roles 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 live without end. Amen!
_________________________
Some pictures of Ian's and my grandparents.
Some pictures of Ian's and my grandparents.
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