by Monica Brao

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Saint Anne and the sweet Mary

protect us in their golden robes

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The story of Anne is told in the biblical apocrypha; 
in the Protoevangelium of James we read about her desire of motherhood 
and her pain about her inability to bare children. 
As she was praying, an angel appeared to her and said: 
“Anne, Anne, the Lord has heard your prayer, 
and you shall conceive, and shall bring forth; and your seed shall be spoken of in all the world.” 
Saint Anne is the strongest protector of mothers. 
Women turn to Her to obtain three favors from God: 
a safe delivery, a healthy child, and enough breast-milk to feed the baby. 
Saint Anne is also the protector of the family: 
families turn to Her to ask for help 
for their kin or to find strength when facing adversity. 
Lovers turn to her when they wish to join in holy matrimony. 

Marta T’Zan (Marta Bluotto, born in 1922) used to sit in front of her house wearing her straw hat in the hot summer days, and in her own words she would describe the cult of Saint Anne: 

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Our tradition says that Saint Anne and the young Mary 
loved to be surrounded by flowers with snow white petals. 
It is said that they hold dearest those who offer them such gifts.
This tradition is mostly popular amongst women, and not much amongst men, 
or so they want women to believe. 
The favour must be addressed in front of the statue. 
Your heart must be pure for your prayer 
and you must arrange the white flowers in a vase or lay them at Their feet. 
Saint Anne and Mary will do Their best to grant your wish. 
If you have a strong desire to grow your family,
the flowers must be held and bestowed by both future parents. 
If your lover is quite reluctant to marriage, 
even if he is not aware of this tradition,
ask him to help you in arranging the flowers. 
This simple gesture, carried out with love and respect,
although it has to employ a small deceit, 
will anyway grant your wish 
within the year. 

May your devotees be happy and may there be Peace... 
So it is written in the book that you offer your daughter Mary.
… with their pink and blue ribbons, our newborns trust in You.