LiturgyTools.net: Hymns for the feast of St Ann and Joachim (26 July)

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This is a selection of hymns and songs for the feast of St Anne, and her husband Joachim.

Most are free-to-use (ie public domain or copyright-free) meaning the words can be copied and sung to at least one tune with no concerns about copyright or performance licensing. Many such hymns are old/traditional - but where possible a variety of styles / genres are included. A small selection of hymns that are still be copyright may also included.

Suggestions about hymns that could be included are welcome: leave a comment below.

About St Ann / Anne / Anna and Joachim

According to tradition, St Anne was the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and so was Jesus' grandmother. She is not named in the Gospels, but there is mention of her and her husband, Joachim, in other books written at about the same time which were not included in the Bible: the earliest is the Gospel of St James. And the early / Eastern church had a strong devotion to them.

There is a parallel between Anne, mother of Mary and the Old Testament Hannah, mother of Samuel. Both were childless for a long time, but finally blessed with a child later in life in response to their continued prayers and faithfulness. Devotion to Anne was strongest before the Council of Trent.

Anne is patron saint of many groups of people, including childless people; children; equestrians; grandparents; homemakers/housewives; lace makers; miners; mothers; moving house; old-clothes dealers; seamstresses;

Joachim is patron of fathers, grandfathers, grandparents, married couples, cabinet makers, and linen traders.

Readings

First Sirach (Ecclesiasticus ) 44:1, 10-15 - Now will I praise those godly men, our ancestors, each in his own time: ... And for all time their progeny will endure ... At gatherings their wisdom is retold ...

Psalm 132:11, 13-14, 17-18 - The Lord has chosen Zion for his dwelling

Gospel Acclamation - cf. Luke 2:25 - They yearned for the comforting of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested upon them.

Gospel - Matthew 13:16-17 - Jesus said "Blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear" - many holy ones longed to see, but did not.

Free-use hymns

O Anne Thou hast Lived -

O Lady High in Glory Raised - Caswall

Spotless Anna! Juda's Glory - Caswall

The Snow Lay on the Ground - verse 2 (technically this is a Christmas carol, but there may be situations where it's appropriate)

Hymn to Good St Anne: To Kneel at Thine Altar - to the tune LOURDES HYMN (aka Immaculate Mary)