About the Gathering Grandmothers
We meet at OLV in the Church every Friday at 12pm. If there is a funeral or other event, we move to the parish office. Please join us!
The Gathering Grandmothers at Our Lady of Victory Parish in Centerville, MA invite you to join us in praying to Saint Anne, the grandmother of Jesus. We are asking for the protection of our children and grandchildren in the face of present dangers.
The format for the Novena to Saint Anne that we use is given here as a guide for your information. We have chosen to meet every week at noon on Fridays. Of course, another group may decide to start this once a month, but we feel that gathering together at a special time is the key.
We say the four prayers beginning with the Memorare.
After this, we take a moment or so to mention the special intentions that anyone might have.
Next, we pray the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and the Glory Be to the Father.
We conclude with the Litany to Saint Anne.
Our hope is for grandmothers in all countries all over the world to be saying this Novena for an end to terrorism and for a true coming together in World Peace and Freedom for all.
History of the Gathering Grandmothers
When hearing of the terrorist threats to our country after September 11, 2001, a few grandmothers at Our Lady of Victory were so concerned we gathered to begin a Novena to St. Anne, the grandmother of Jesus. We chose to start at noon on Friday, July 26, 2002, the feast day of St. Anne and have met in church every Friday since that first day.
Our grandchildren are growing up in a world in which terrorism, abuse, hatred, violence, and war are dominating life. Our prayer is for Jesus to grant to our world, the gifts of love, compassion and true peace through the intercession of St. Anne. Our hope is that eventually, we will be joined by grandmothers all over the world praying this Novena.
In July 2017 we celebrate sixteen years! We are happy to say that we represent somewhere between 200 and 300 grandchildren and the number keeps growing!! We welcome all grandmothers who share our concern. Please join us at noon on Fridays, and add your grandchildren to our list.
For additional information, please call Dianne Gilligan at 508.362.3532, call the Parish Office at 508.775.5744, or send an email to ministries@olvparish.org.
The Gathering Grandmothers Peace and Freedom Novena
The Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, we turn to you, O Virgin of virgins, our Mother. To you we come; before you we stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not our petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer us.
Prayer of Grandmothers to St. Anne, Mother of Mary
St. Anne, show me the best way to serve my children as they raise their growing family. Help me always to give them words of encouragement, support, and respect. Show me how to be a good grandmother to their children. With great love, I pray for each of my grandchildren and ask you to intercede on behalf of their needs, intentions, and aspirations. Pray that we may enjoy a long life together and after our death be united again for all eternity in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Litany in Honor of St. Anne
Response: Pray for us
Holy Mary, Mother of our Lord,……….
St. Anne, helper of all who call upon you in their need,……….
St. Anne, gentle mother of Mary, the Virgin Mother
of God,……….
St. Anne, faithful wife of St. Joachim,……….
St. Anne, grandmother of our Savior,……….
St. Anne, example of piety,……….
St. Anne, model of trust and obedience,……….
St. Anne, example for widows,……….
St. Anne, source of faithful family life,……….
St. Anne, model of Christian mothers and grandmothers,……….
St. Anne, interceder for the unborn,……….
St. Anne, guardian of all children,……….
St. Anne, protector of families from terrorism,………
St. Anne, Bless Our Families
St. Anne, like all grandmothers, you care for your grandchildren. You are concerned for the happiness of all families. You know our joys; you accept our pain and suffering; you support and encourage our endeavors, and you comfort our hearts. With all the uncertainty and anguish that weigh down upon our world, you do not abandon us. With your blessing, we grandmothers will continue the mission of your grandson, Jesus. As we begin this third millennium, remind us that the future of our world lies in the path of love. Help us to foster the good values in life and to avoid all that may be harmful to our families. St. Anne, please gather all your children, young and old, to work together in building a world of justice and peace.
Prayer of Petition to St. Anne
Glorious St. Anne, knowing you are filled with compassion for those who invoke you, we come to you heavily laden with the weight of the dangers facing our families. We cast ourselves at your feet and humbly beg of you to take the present affairs which we recommend to you under your special protection. Please recommend them to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary and lay them before the throne of your grandson, Jesus, so that He may bring them to a happy issue. Cease not to intercede for us until our request is granted.
You may also download the prayers here.
If you would like to start your own Gathering Grandmothers group, please contact ministries@olvparish.org and we will be happy to discuss. We will be happy to edit the above files with your church's name and contact info as well.