Pope Leo XIV has appointed Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect emeritus of the Congregation for Divine Worship, as his special envoy to France for the 400th anniversary celebrations of St. Anne’s apparitions to Breton peasant Yvon Nicolazic.
Newsroom (May 30, 2025, 07:05, Gaudium Press) The Vatican announced Thursday that Cardinal Sarah will preside over liturgical ceremonies on July 25-26 at the Shrine of Sainte-Anne-d’Auray in the Diocese of Vannes, marking the milestone anniversary of the Marian apparitions.
According to tradition, in the early 1620s, Nicolazic witnessed a vision of a radiant woman later identified as St. Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary. She directed him to rebuild a ruined chapel on his land in Bocenno.
The shrine’s website states that the first apparition occurred on July 25, 1624, the eve of St. Anne’s feast day. Months later, on March 7, 1625, Nicolazic reportedly discovered a statue of St. Anne amid the chapel’s remnants—a sign confirming the apparitions’ authenticity.
The site, originally called “Keranna” (“the village of Anne”), quickly became a major pilgrimage destination, drawing devotees even before the 17th-century events. Historical evidence suggests St. Anne was venerated there long before, as indicated by the ancient chapel ruins where the statue was found.
Four centuries later, the shrine remains a vibrant spiritual hub. St. John Paul II visited in 1996, underscoring its enduring significance.
As part of the jubilee year, the shrine is hosting pilgrimages, devotional events, and academic conferences to honor the anniversary. The celebrations highlight the enduring legacy of St. Anne’s reported intercession and Brittany’s deep-rooted Catholic heritage.
Saint Anne: The Matriarch of the Holy Family
Saint Anne, is the mother of the Virgin Mary and the grandmother of Jesus Christ. Though historical records about her life are scarce, her significance has been preserved through apocryphal writings and centuries of Christian devotion.
Mother of Mary, Grandmother of Jesus
Saint Anne’s most prominent role in Christian theology is as the mother of Mary, the woman chosen to bear Jesus Christ. This connection places Anne at the very heart of the Christian story, making her the maternal grandmother of Jesus. According to tradition, Anne and her husband, Joachim, were a devout couple who, after years of infertility, prayed fervently for a child. Their prayers were answered, and Mary was born—a child they promised to dedicate to God’s service.
A Life Preserved in Tradition
While details about Anne’s life remain largely unrecorded in the Bible, much of what is known about her comes from the Protoevangelium of James, an early Christian text from the second century. This text, though not part of the canonical scriptures, offers insights into Anne’s life and her role in the holy family. In this account, Anne is portrayed as a woman of deep faith, whose miraculous conception of Mary was a sign of divine favor.
Feast Day and Legacy
Saint Anne’s feast day is celebrated on July 26th in both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. It is a day dedicated to honoring her role as the mother of Mary and a symbol of maternal devotion. Over the centuries, Saint Anne has become the patron saint of mothers, women in labor, and grandmothers, with many turning to her for intercession in matters related to family and childbirth.
Artistic Depictions
In Christian art, Saint Anne is often depicted alongside her daughter, Mary, and sometimes with the young Jesus. These portrayals emphasize her nurturing role within the Holy Family. Through these images, Anne is celebrated not only for her divine connection to Jesus but also for her wisdom and strength as a matriarch.
While Saint Anne’s life remains a matter of faith and tradition rather than historical fact, her legacy continues to inspire millions around the world. As a central figure in the Christian narrative, she stands as a symbol of faith, motherhood, and the enduring power of prayer.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from CNA
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