Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Today's Mass Readings

About a month ago, I honored my great-grandparents and my grandparents on my dad’s side of the Family, the Burkhart and McQueen side. Today I honor the Migliazzo side, Vincent and Bernice Migliazzo, or Papa and Mimi, we called them. Today is another great feast, the feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne, the holy grandparents of Jesus and the Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

I remember when I made my First Holy Communion, my grandmother wrote in the card, “I love you, Adam, always stay close to God! Love Mimi.” I have cherished this card ever since I found it at my parents’ house a couple of years ago. It is hard losing grandparents, but I have to brag that not only did they see all of their grandchildren grow up to be fine young men and women, but on a personal note, I was blessed to have both sets of my grandparents at both my simple and solemn professions.

For you who are grandparents, keep the prayers coming for your grandchildren! As I have said so many times to people, “a grandmother’s prayers are powerful!” I can see my Mimi in her comfy chair praying her rosary and then offering her prayers to Sts. Francis and Anthony, and even St. Benedict. After all, her father, brother, nephews, cousins, and even she were named after our Holy Father St. Benedict! She prayed for all her children and especially her grandchildren.

For those who still have grandparents, go visit them, and visit them often. As Pope Francis once said, “The remembrance of our ancestors leads us to imitate their faith. It is true that old age is at times unpleasant because of the illnesses it brings. But the wisdom of our grandparents is the inheritance we ought to receive.”

Reflection by Br. Maximilian Burkhart, OSB