PRAYER TO ST. ANNE
WITH a heart full of sincere filial veneration, I prostrate myself before thee, O blessed St. Anne. Thou art that beloved and privileged creature who, because of thy extraordinary virtue and sanctity, didst deserve of God that chief of graces of giving life to the treasury of grace, the blessed among women, the Mother of the incarnate Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Ah! in consideration of such exalted favors deign, O most tender saint, to receive me among the number of thy truly devoted servants, for such I protest myself to be and wish to remain for the rest of my life. Surround me with thy gracious patronage, and obtain for me from God the imitation of those virtues with which thou wert so profusely adorned. Obtain for me a knowledge of my sins and sorrow for them; an ardent love for Jesus and Mary; a faithful and constant observance of the duties of my state of life. Save me from all dangers in life and assist me at the hour of my death, that I may safely reach paradise, there to praise with thee, most happy mother, the Word of God, made man in the womb of thy most pure daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, etc. (three times).
(Ind. of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII. March 20, 1886.)
