ST. ANNE NOVENA UPDATE
From the First Shine of the United States in St. Anne, IL
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Faithful can subscribe to the notes by contacting the parish office and providing their email address. Feel Free Passing on this e-mail to anyone wishes to learn more about the Novena from the first shrine of the United States!!!
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Please support our parishes by clicking the ONLINE GIVING picture - these are your local homes where God is present! Let's share this grace with those of the next generation! | |
ST. ANNE GIFT CARDS FOR SALE
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During their College Mission Trip this Spring, Marilyn Charba and the students from Christendom College came to St. Anne’s Church to celebrate Mass, venerate the relic and paint the hall gymnasium. Marilyn also made a watercolor image of St. Anne’s Church, from which we created Gift Cards for Sale ($25 for twenty cards). Call the parish office at (815) 427-8265 or stop by the gift table on St. Anne's Day for more information. | |
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St. Anne's Church
Novena Update with
Fr. Pete Jankowski
Our Mass Schedule has been set for St. Anne's Feast Day!
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Dear Friends of the St. Anne Novena
As we work in earnest in preparing for celebrate our Novena Masses (July 17-25) and the our 144th Anniversary of our Feast Day Masses on July 26, we are honored this year that the Most Rev. Chrisopher Glancy, CSV will be celebrating and preaching at our Outdoor English Mass on St. Anne’s Day at 10:00 a.m. A Viatorian bishop now living in the United States, the last time Bishop Glancy joined us for this Novena was to honor Fr. James Fanale during his 50th Anniversary as a priest in 2019; five years later, Bishop Glancy once again joins us to celebrate and preach at our yearly celebration. The Clerics of St. Viator were responsible for bringing this relic to St. Anne’s way back in 1850; this year, the bishop will join us as their highest-ranking Viatorian cleric in the US, celebrating this Mass at the oldest shrine in the United States!
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Most Rev. Christopher Glancy, CSV will be the main celebrant and homilist at St. Anne's Day Outdoor Mass (weather permitting) on July 26, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
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With the permission of the office of the bishop from the Joliet Diocese (Most Rev. Ronald Hicks), I, Fr. Pete Jankowski will be celebrating the 12:00 Noon Indoor St. Anne’s Day Mass in Latin, in the Extraordinary Form. Over the last few years, a hundred or so of our faithful have joined us at this Mass, where I will anoint the faithful after the Mass, followed by the procession and veneration of the relic as well. To encounter the faithful dressed in formal wear on a hot, summer’s day is reminiscent of one of the oldest pictures we have of the event from a hundred years ago.
Finally, we are also pleased to announce that another Viatorian Cleric name Fr. Moises Mesh, CSV will be the main celebrant for the 2:00 p.m. Indoor Mass in Spanish on St. Anne’s Day as well. Raised in Belieze (the same country where Bishop Glancy served as bishop), Fr. Moises has volunteered his time the last few years in celebrating this Mass, with the assistance of Deacon Arnulfo Cisneros from Immaculate Conception Church in Morris, IL.
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Rev. Moises Mesh, CSV will be the main celebrant and homilist at St. Anne's Day Spanish Mass on July 26, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.
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10:00 A.M. OUTDOOR MASS IN ENGLISH (WEATHER PERMITTING)
12:00 NOON INDOOR MASS IN SPANISH (Extraordinary Form)
2:00 P.M. Indoor MASS IN SPANISH
In addition to our three Masses in English, Latin and Spanish, we once again offer The Anointing of the Sick for those in attendance and the Yearly Procession of the Relic as well with our restored reliquary (more on that below). We also continue to offer food trucks, religious articles and flowers for sale, activities for the kids and all kinds of other blessings.
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A SPECIAL GIFT FOR THE NOVENA DEVOTION | |
Over the last few years, a priest from the southern end of the Illinois used to visit us here at St. Anne’s Church and pray in that little chapel devoted to the mother of our Blessed Mother, the grandmother of Jesus. That little portico that we have has been a place of prayer, reflection and healing for so many years. Fr. Jim Fanale (pictured to the right) actually established it when he built a small chapel off to the side of the church. Fr. Jim moved this little chapel to St. Anne in the back of the church for people to pray. | |
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Periodically, I would enter St. Anne’s Church and see this priest kneeling at the St. Anne Chapel. Often, I would encounter him praying to God, and every so often I would say hello to him and make sure he was doing okay. I would ask him, “Is there anything you need?”, finding out that he just wanted to be alone, to be with God and to ask for the intervention of Good St. Anne. This priest came to venerate that relic and ask God for guidance and healing.
A short while back, this same priest had written to me, sharing that some years ago, he suffered a concussion, which made his life very difficult. The bishop in his diocese allowed him to move to a smaller church, and he had a strong and very difficult recovery process to overcome this concussion.
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As he wrote to me, this priest came here to St. Anne’s, travelling all the way up north from the southern end of the state because he had a devotion to this particular saint. He knew about the annual St. Anne’s Day and Novena that our community celebrated. He knew about the procession of the relic and everything else the community offered on behalf of this good saint.
As a result, this priest decided that he would travel to the Border Town periodically and pray in the chapel, just to be alone with God. That is the beauty of having our little churches out in the country. Here at St. Pat’s and St. Anne’s, we can offer a wonderful opportunity for the faithful to pray in silence, in peace, and in that silence, God responds.
Sometime later, this priest sent me the attached letter that I wanted to share with you because it was really beautiful what he had written…
Dear Fr. Jankowski,
Enclosed find a check for $3,750 for St. Anne’s Church for the restoration of the reliquary in thanksgiving for answered prayers. I added a little extra beyond the invoice in case there is a diocesan “tax” to be paid (ha ha). It is a little bit, if not, it is a little bit extra money for the parish. If I never told you, St. Anne lifted me a lot. about three to four years ago, during a difficult recovery from a concussion. I made several novenas to her and each time I received some notable advance in my recovery. May God bless you and your people.
I love that letter because when people say that prayers do not work, I turn to letters like these. For this reason, we adorn the back of the church with the wheelchair and the crutches, most notably from the recovery of Matilda Cunnea (d. 1955) and those others who have been healed by that relic. For people who have faith, the impossible becomes possible.
The relic means everything to the people who understand. Even though the numbers have declined from our yearly St. Anne’s Day celebrations, for those who truly believe and have faith in God, all things are possible. If it is God’s will that healings take place to enlighten our community, then so be it (even though we are very aware that the healing is temporary but life on the other side of death is everlasting for those who follow God).
Currently, I am recording the Online Masses which you will be able to view at www.stannestanne.org. (we have included all the previously recorded Masses on this Novena Site as well) We have started to upload as many pictures of the Novena that we have on the website SmugMug.com, which you can access on the Novena website. If you have any stories or pictures of the Novena that you would like to share, we would be honored if you send them to us via e-mail or other means so that we can post them on the website (please note that since we built this website from scratch in January, it still is in its early stages – thanks for your patience in helping this website blossom!
As we have done in previous years, we will offer evening in-person Masses during the Novena at 7:00 p.m. (excluding Sundays). On Friday – July 26, we will offer the following liturgies on-site, followed by the traditional procession of the St. Anne Relic after the Masses…
Finally, we still offer $2,500 pew donations on behalf of your loved ones as well as freewill offerings. Any donations you can offer for the parish’s health and growth would be appreciated. Over the last year alone, we have upgraded our lighting, our sidewalks, our church interior and this year we work on the side ramp and rails for those with special needs. Please pray for us - we very much pray for you – St. Anne, pray for all of us!!!
“Que Dieu vous bénisse”
Rev. Peter G. Jankowski
Please Note: We are updating our Novena mailing list – please contact us with any changes to your mailing address. We also would like your email address as well.
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VIDEOS FOR THE 2023 NOVENA | |
MASS - DAY 1
OF NOVENA
Today's Mass focuses on Fr. Pete Jankowski's grandmother, Maria Carmella 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..."
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MASS - DAY 2
OF NOVENA
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.
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MASS - DAY 3
OF NOVENA
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.
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MASS - DAY 4
OF NOVENA
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.
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MASS - DAY 5
OF NOVENA
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.
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MASS - DAY 6
OF NOVENA
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,"
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MASS - DAY 7
OF NOVENA
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 Jagodzinski, 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).
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MASS - DAY 8
OF NOVENA
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.
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MASS - DAY 9
OF NOVENA
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.
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MASS - ST. ANNE FEAST DAY
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!!!
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From July 2022...
Dear Father Jankowski:
I want to thank you for putting the Novena Masses online. I did make the Novena. The final mass and your reading the prayer in Italian was just beautiful.. Your Grandmother, mother, and father are looking down from heaven and are very proud of you
I just wanted to let you know that i will definitely cover the entire cost of the new roof. I will be sending you a check in the amount of $30,000 made out to St, Patrick Church.
May Almighty God Bless you and yours always.
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The response we have received from the Online and On-Site Masses for the St. Anne Novena and Feast Day have been so overwhelmingly AWESOME that I do not know what to say to all of you! The Poor Clare Sisters made over one hundred rosaries for this special day – all of them were gone by the end of the Latin Mass at noon. We were anointing so many folks that I think some of them went TWICE – and you know who you are that did!!! From the children’s activities to the Olivewood Gifts and Flowers and Religious Items for sale, for the two food trucks that fed a few hundred souls on July 26 – so many good folks did so many good things that I would find it difficult to have any one person stand out – this was a community effort by a good number of members of this “Body of Christ” who let the Spirit guide us in such a beautiful way!
Yes, many individuals told me of how the Novena positively affected them, as far away as Wichita, KS and beyond. One good soul (not even from St. Patrick’s!) donated $30,000 to pay off our roof project in thanksgiving for the grace of God in our community. The Viatorians that were present, our Hispanic Choir from Camino y Esperanza and four members of the Latin Mass choir from St. Joseph’s Church in Rockdale joined musician Kavin Sampson in providing a wonderful setting for all three Masses we celebrated.
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WE ARE LOOKING FOR ANYTHING YOU HAVE ABOUT THE ST. ANNE NOVENA!!! | |
We are looking to enhance our St. Anne Novena Page with any pictures, articles or anything else concerning our parish's activities! If you would be so kind as to direct these digital files to pjankowski@yahoo.com, we will include them on our Novena Page for others in the area to enjoy and on which to reflect. You can also mail your pictures and articles to address provided below.
So much good has taken place in the 150+ year history of this Novena in St. Anne, IL. Help us promote this cause with the faithful of our area!!!
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VIDEOS FROM THE 2022 NOVENA | |
To View the St. Anne Novena Book used at the parish in 1946 (with an indulgence given to the faithful from March 20, 1886), please click below. Thanks to Marlene Liberty (and her grandmother Leah Brown) who used this book during the Novenas from the last century!!!
CLICK HERE TO READ FROM THE NOVENA BOOK PUBLISHED IN 1934!!!
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MASS - DAY 1 OF NOVENA
To begin this Novena, Fr. Pete preaches about the primary importance to building a prayer life with God. As members of the Body of Christ in local parish communities, that prayer life must result in serving those around us in God's name - Mary's prayer must result in Martha's work.
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MASS - DAY 2 OF NOVENA
Speaking about the importance of the miraculous healing the relic of St. Anne has offered in the history of this relic, Fr. Pete highlights the stories of faith and healing in today's homily.
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MASS - DAY 3 OF NOVENA
In his homily, Fr. Pete speaks about the need to treat each person as a brother or sister, as a sacred person created by God and part of the "Body of Christ," whether the person we encounter accepts this understanding or not.
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MASS - DAY 4 OF NOVENA
In his homily, Fr. Pete speaks about how evangelization must follow the farming methods of the First Century and the current methods of Third World Farmers - by throwing the seed liberally wherever we can to produce thirty, sixty and a hundredfold.
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MASS - DAY 5 OF NOVENA
In his homily, Fr. Pete speaks of our need to maintain this vocation called has called each of us to live, despite the temptations of the world that often attempt to draw us away from our ultimate purpose in life.
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MASS - DAY 6 OF NOVENA
In his homily, Fr. Pete references a trip he was asked to lead with a group of pilgrims who visited the Holy Land. The gift of walking Jesus' steps on the road of faith and praying where the Lord prayed serves as the foundation for the type of life we are called to walk today.
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MASS - DAY 7 OF NOVENA
In his homily, 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!"
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MASS - DAY 8 OF NOVENA
On this EIGHTH Day of the St. Anne Novena, Fr. Pete preaches about the need to follow the mandates of the "Our Father," according to the gospel of Luke. This prayer can serve as the most uplifting or damning prayer in the believer's life, depending on whether the believer truly wishes to live like God or chooses to disregard the mandate and live under one's own desires. Fr. Pete also offers a special blessing to grandparents at this Mass as well.
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MASS - DAY 9 OF NOVENA
On this NINTH Day of the St. Anne Novena, Fr. Pete talks about the importance of HUMILITY, which serves as the foundation for our prayer life. It was through Jesus humbling himself on the cross that the apostles learned this lesson of faith, passed on to bishops who are to model that same type of life.
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MASS - SS. JOACHIM & ANNE
In his homily, Fr. Pete references a poem to "The Mother of the Madonna," by Rev. Matthew Russell, SJ, the first editor of "The Irish Monthly" periodical that reflects on the role of grandmothers in our life. Fr. Pete offers a special "Prayer for Special Favor" and a "Blessing to Grandparents" at this Online Mass as well.
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ST. ANNE'S
PHOTO DIRECTORIES
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Below are the Photo
Directories from St. Anne's Church. We just took pictures for our 2023 Photo Diretory, the first one completed in almost twenty years!
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The Holy Father provides a wonderful opportunity to receive an Apostolic Blessing for Birthdays, Baptisms, First Communions, Confirmations, Weddings, Religious Professions, Ordinations and Anniversaries of these sacraments. | | |
For weddings and such, Fr. Pete offers a special blessing on the first Sunday weekend of each month and is willing to purchase an Apostolic Blessing for anyone who asks (and if he can afford it... since he pays out of pocket!!!).
If you are interested in receiving an Apostolic Blessing, you can do so by clicking the link below or by calling the parish offices.
CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR
OWN APOSTOLIC BLESSING!!!
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FR. PETE'S TELEVISION SERIES | |
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CLICK HERE to watch Fr. Pete’s Twelve Part Series “Stories on the Journey,” Broadcast on Shalom World TV! | |
BOOK, BRICK & PEW DEDICATION PROGRAM | |
For only $100, you can dedicate a brick to someone special at St. Patrick's Outdoor Grotto (where the Our Lady of Lourdes Outdoor Masses are celebrated)!!!
(815) 472-2864
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For only $25, you can dedicate a Journeysongs Pew Book from either parish. Please call (815) 472-2864 (St. Patrick's) or (815) 427-8265 (St. Anne's) for more information! | | |
LINKS TO CATHOLIC WEBSITES
CLICK ON PICTURE TO ACCESS SITE
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