St. Anne Novena
From the National Shrine of St. Anne Church - St. Anne, IL
CLICK HERE to Download "Mass Intention" Cards (Can be mailed to St. Anne's Church -
230 North Sixth Avenue - St. Anne, IL 60964)
The Masses for the
2023 St. Anne Novena
On this FIRST day of the Novena, today's Mass focuses on Fr. Pete Jankowski's grandmother, Maria Carmela Cosenza (1911-2010), an immigrant from Cosenza, Italy who shared her love of family and faith with a "domestic Church" that started their life anew in the New World. "Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon her..." |
Today's Mass focuses on Edwina Vincent, grandmother and secretary at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Sandwich, IL. Along with her maintenance husband Bill, Edwina has served that "peripheral community" (as Pope Francis might call it) for most of her life and the life of her family. Like other pillars like her in local parish communities, Edwina serves as the "doorway" through which parishioners encounter the first face of God at a Catholic parish. God bless Bill and Edwina and all those who dedicate their lives to their families, communities, Churches and certainly God. |
The focus of this day's homily is on grandmother Ellen Fischer, who faithfully served the parishioners of St. Paul the Apostle Church while raising her children in Joliet. Ellen was such a positive influence at St. Paul's and, with staff Lillian Cepon, Ray Kaufmann and Bill Parker, served as models of compassion during the heyday of this parish's history. |
The focus of this day's homily is on grandmother Sue Cordano, who, with husband Don Cordano (1934-2015), was part of Fr. Pete's daily breakfast crowd during the first twenty years of his priesthood. Dauter Marisue Grabavoy reflects on the manner in which mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Sue took care of husband Don throughout their marriage (and end of life cancer treatments) in a type of "love letter" that she writes about the matriarch of her family. |
Today's Mass focuses on Cathy Weinberg, whose sacrifices made during her forty year marriage to husband Jim and their three daughters served as a model of faith that Fr. Pete remembers some fifteen years ago. Fr. Pete had the honor of celebrating the wedding Mass for two of her three daughters and spent many nights in the Weinberg home sharing stories of faith with Jim and Cathy. |
Today's Mass focuses on Evangelina Hernandez, who symbolized the "heart" of her family and the heart of the St. Patrick's Community in Joliet. She and her husband Rafael helped start the Hispanic Ministry at St. Patrick's Church in Joliet, building a community from its initial phases to one of the largest communities in the city based on two words that help build parish Churches - "Bienvenidos" and "Hospitalized" - "Welcome" and "Hospitality," |
The inspiration for this ten-part reflection series on grandmothers of the faith came from Facebook reflections by Tom Jagodzinski about his own mother Genevieve, who passed away in 2017. Fr. Pete reflected on Tom's memories and his own about this grandmother; Gen reminded Fr. Pete about so many other grandmothers who have modeled this life of grace, prompting these series of homilies about this under appreciated women of faith who followed the example of the grandmother NOT mentioned in the bible, Good St. Anne (the grandmother of Jesus). |
On this EIGHTH day of the Novena, Joanne Hermann represents a whole slew of wonderful mothers and grandmothers who have supported a "periphery" Church of the Joliet Diocese which might not be appreciate in the larger diocesan framework but is "home" for Joanne and generations of her family, as the Church has been for so many others. Much thanks to all those parents who, similarly to Joanne and husband John, for their dedication and love for their local parish community. |
There are many ways to sacrifice for the cause of the faith. On this NINTH and LAST Day of the Novena, we focus on St. James the first apostle who died as a martyr for Christ. There are other types of martyrs in this world. Today's homily focuses on St. Anne Parishioner Linda "Cookie" Schroeder who, after fifty plus years of marriage raising the children and grandchildren, now faces the task of caring for a husband who suffers from incurable illnesses. Cookie's example of faith and dedication to her husband serves as a model by which each of us should live our Christian life in the name of God. |
This is the homily that Fr. Pete offered at the Traditional Latin Mass on St. Anne's Feast Day inside the church building - July 26, 2021 |
This is the Homily that Fr. Pete offered at the Outdoor Novena Mass in Honor of St. Anne (in ENGLISH) on July 26, 2020. |
This is the Homily that Fr. Pete offered at the Outdoor Novena Mass in Honor of St. Anne (in SPANISH) on July 26, 2020. |
On this Feast Day of St. Anne, we focus on Nonagenarian Ruth Sparenberg, one of the brightest lights in the sea of stars. Ruth's quiet and loving demeanor serves as a model for anyone wishing to live a Christian vocation. Much thanks to all ten grandmothers who were the focus of these homilies - Fr. Pete has benefitted from their respective examples of faith and we pray that you do as well!!!
2023 St. Anne Novena Pics
As we did with our 2022 celebration, Julie Dillenburg was kind enough to take pictures for this year's event. Thanks to Fr. Jason Nesbit, CSV (Homilist at the 10:00 Mass), Fr. Moises Mesh, CSV (Presider and Homilist at the 2:00 Spanish Mass), Fr. John Peeters, CSV, Fr. John Horan and Fr. Mike Powell for joining us at this celebration. Thanks to everyone who helped make this event such a spirit-filled on for the 500+ faithful who came to pray with us!!! CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PICS!
The Masses for the 2022 St. Anne Novena
On this FIRST day of the Novena, Fr. Pete preaches abouty the primary importance of building a prayer life with God. As members of the Body of Christ in local communities, that prayer life must result in serving those around us in God's name - Mary's prayer must result in Martha's work. |
On this SECOND Day of the St. Anne Novena... Fr. Pete speaks about the importance of the miraculous healing the relic of St. Anne has offered in the history of this relic. In his homily, Fr. Pete highlights the stories of faith and healing in today's homily. |
Celebrated at the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto at St. Patrick's Church (Momence), In his homily on THIRD Day of the Novena, Fr. Pete speaks about the need to treat each person as a sacred person created by God and part of the "Body of Christ," whether the person we encounter accepts this understanding or not. |
Celebrated at the Grotto of the Camino y Esperanza Retreat Center in St. Anne, IL on the FOURTH Day of the Novena, Fr. Pete speaks about how evangelization must model the farming methods of the First Century and the current Third World Farmers - by throwing the seed liberally wherever we can to produce thirty, sixty and a hundredfold. |
At the St. Anne Chapel (St. Anne's Church & Shrine), Fr. Pete preaches at the FIFTH Day of this Novena about the need to stay true to the gospel message and follow God's path or whether we dedide to abandon God and go forward on our own. |
Celebrated at the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto at St. Patrick's Church (Momence), In his homily on SIXTH Day of the Novena, Fr. Pete references his trip to the Holy Land with pilgrims from the Border Town who walked the steps of Jesus and focused on the importance of prayer in Jesus' life... and ours!!! |
On this SEVENTH Day of the Novena (celebrated at the Pavilion of St. Anne's Church - St. Anne, IL), Fr. Pete speaks about the way society forms the individual, as opposed to the manner which God or a Catholic parent would. As referenced by Morrie Schwartz ("Tuesdays with Morrie"), "Don't let society dictate your culture - you dictate your own!" |
On this EIGHTH Day of the St. Anne Novena, Fr. Pete stresses the importance of LIVING the Our Father Prayer rather than just praying it. The Our Father can be the most uplifting or daming prayers that we can say, depending on how seriously we take our relationship with God. This Mass is celebrated at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Grotto at the Camino y Esperanza Retreat House in St. Anne, IL. |
Fr. Pete celebrates a Traditional Latin Mass for the faithful on St. Anne's Feast Day inside the church building - July 26, 2021 |
This is the homily that Fr. Pete offered at the Traditional Latin Mass on St. Anne's Feast Day inside the church building - July 26, 2021 |
This is the Homily that Fr. Pete offered at the Outdoor Novena Mass in Honor of St. Anne (in ENGLISH) on July 26, 2020. |
This is the Homily that Fr. Pete offered at the Outdoor Novena Mass in Honor of St. Anne (in SPANISH) on July 26, 2020. |
On this last day of the 2022 St. Anne Novena, Fr. Pete shares videos from last year's celebration (including his homily), as well as the stories of faith about families in the faith (especially grandmothers) who inspired Fr. Pete to offer ministry in the country as a Catholic priest.
With the assistance of the parishioners from the National Shrine of St. Anne, Fr. Pete Jankowski offers these NINE Masses as part of the annual Novena. Fr. Pete celebrates this Mass at the St. Anne Chapel (230 N. Sixth Ave. - St. Anne, IL 60964) on behalf of those who are not able to attend the Novena celebrations at the parish.
Please continue to support our local parishes – we need your support to continue spreading God’s mercy during these difficult times. To support the mission of St. Anne's Church, please contact us at (815) 427-8265 or write us at PO Box 470 - St. Anne, IL 60964. You can also click on the "Online Giving" link, following the directions on your computer screen.

2022 St. Anne Novena Pics
Here are the highlights of the THREE Masses and activities that took place on St. Anne's Feast Day at the First National Shrine in the United States - St. Anne's Church in St. Anne, IL. Thanks to Bob Thompson for the pics and to Fr. Jason Nesbit, CSV (Homilist at the 10:00 Mass), Fr. Don Wehnert, CSV, Fr. Moises Mesh, CSV and Fr. John Peeters, CSV (Homilist at the 2:00 Mass) for joining us at this celebration. Thanks to everyone who helped make this event such a spirit-filled on for the 500+ faithful who came to pray with us!!! CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL THE PICS!!!
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CLICK HERE to View Pictures from Past St. Anne Novena Celebrations!
Feel free to send the National Shrine Any Electronic Images of the Novena that You Might Have!!! |
CLICK HERE to Learn about
The National Shrine of St. Anne
CLICK HERE to Learn the Story about the relic and the St. Anne Novena at the National Shrine
Knights of Columbus were among those taking part in the procession in this view, probably photographed in the 1950s. St. Anne Church is visible in the background. Photos courtesy of the Kankakee County Museum.
CLICK HERE for a Copy of the St. Anne Novena used at the Shrine at Each of the Daily Masses (Short Version)
CLICK HERE for a Copy
of the St. Anne Novena (Long Version)
CLICK HERE for a Copy of the St. Anne Novena in Spanish
CLICK HERE to Read the "Christ Our Hope" (Joliet Diocese) Article about the St. Anne Novena - July 2020
CLICK HERE to Read the "St. Anne's Catholic Church Prepares for 136th Annual Novena" (Kankakee Journal) Article - July 14, 2016
A portion of the crowd taking part in the St. Anne Day procession around 1900. As seen in this photo, the majority of the pilgrims were women. Kankakee County Museum Photo Archive
CLICK HERE to Read About the The Daily-Journal's Article about the St. Anne Novena - July 21, 2018
CLICK HERE to read Fr. Pete Jankowski's Homily from St. Anne's Day Mass - July 26, 2019!
Lord God, as Joachim & Anne served as the model of being good parents to the Blessed Mother and as holy grandparents to Jesus, we ask you to bless these grandparents in our own community. May they truly offer their love, their faith and the hope of a bright future to those in our community to be good role models in the faith so that whatever they do word and in work they always do in the name of the Lord through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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July 17-25 Masses
(Except Sundays) Outdoors at 7:00 p.m.
July 26 Masses
In English (Outdoors)
10:00 a.m.
In Latin (High Mass Indoors) 12:00 noon
In Spanish (Outdoors)
2:00 p.m.
11:00 Children's Activities
Chicken Lunch, Religious Articles and Votive Candles for Sale - Call (815) 427-8265 for More Info
For More Information in English, CLICK HERE!!!
For More Information in Spanish, CLICK HERE!!!
Novena Information
Click Here to Read a Short History of the St. Anne Novena!
Weekday Masses
July 17-25, 2022
7:00 p.m. with Reflection & Novena Prayers (Also Online at this Site). Anointings will take place during these Masses, along with Veneration of the Relic. Masses on Sunday will take place at 9:00 a.m.
Feast of St. Anne
July 26, 2022
10:00 a.m. Outdoor English Mass with Procession and Veneration of Relic Following Mass
12:00 a.m. Indoor Latin Mass (Low Mass) with Procession and Veneration of Relic Following Mass
2:00 p.m. Outdoor Spanish Mass with Veneration of the Relic
ANOINTINGS will take place following all Masses. There will be lunches for sale as well as religious articles and vigil candles for purchase.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE!
St. Anne's Day Prayer for Special Favor
Good St. Anne, I come to you with confidence because of your compassion for those who suffer and are afflicted. The effects of your goodness and power felt by those who honor you and seek God’s favor through your intercession are well known. Hear my prayer and intercede for me before our gracious God. (Pause here and state your special intention.)
Good St. Anne, I ask you to intercede for me in my need and obtain for me the grace I seek according to God’s will for me and my good known to him alone. Pray for me until I experience his response to my prayers according to Jesus’ own words: “Ask and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Above all obtain for me the grace of constant faithfulness to God so that, along with you and Mary and all Saints, I may rejoice in his presence forever. R/. Amen.
The Hymn
to St. Anne
Sung to, “Immaculate Mary”
To kneel at your altar, in faith we draw near, led onward by Mary, your daughter sodear.
R/. O good St. Anne, we call on your name, your praises loud your children proclaim!
To all who invoke you, their prayers you do hear, you soothest the sorrow of all who draw near. R/.
The sailor, the traveler, whom storms make afraid, find safety and calm when they call on your aid. R/.
The weary, despondent, or sorrowful here, find help in their sadness, a balm for each tear. R/.
The sick, the afflicted, the lame, and the blind, the suffering, the erring, all solace here find. R/.
As pilgrims we come here to kneel at your feet, O grant what we ask you, if for us ‘tis meet. R/.
St. Anne, we implore you to hear this our prayer, in time of temptation, take us in your care R/.
In this life obtain for us that which is best and bring us at last to our heavenly rest. R/.
Himno a
Santa Ana
(de la canción, “Del Cielo ha Bajado”)
Entramos al altar de su Salvador
el nieto Mesías, regalo de amor.
R/. O buena Sant-Ana, abuelita
y su santa hija, Virgen María.
Hablamos su nombre y damos la paz y muestra su hija la cara de faz. R/.
Los marineros en el mar torrencial encuentran su calma muy asistencial. R/.
Sufridos, enfermos y tristes oran
a calmar sus almas en tiempos lloran. R/.
Los peregrinos viajan a Orán
a venerar su reliquia en afán. R/.
Santa Ana pedimos, escucha la oración en tentaciones guíanos a sanación. R/.
Obtennos la gracia, la que es mejor ayúdanos a encontrar al salvador. R/.