St. Anne's Parish Francis Creek WI

09/07/2026

🌹HOW DID THE CHURCH KNOW THAT MARY’S BIRTHDAY IS SEPTEMBER 8❓

Every year, on September 8, Catholics around the world celebrate something incredibly beautiful🌹:

🎂 The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary — the birth of Mother Mary.

But there is a mystery…

Did someone actually find Mary's birth certificate❓
No. 😮

The Bible does not give us the exact date of Mary's birth.

So where did September 8 come from❓

📜The story goes back to the ancient Church.

In the early centuries of Christianity, Christians began honoring the places and events connected with the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

By the 5th century, a feast celebrating Mary's birth was already being observed in Jerusalem.

According to ancient Christian tradition, the feast was associated with a church built near what was believed to be the home of Mary's parents, Saints Joachim and Anne.

🌹 The celebration gradually spread.

Then, in the 7th century, the feast became established in Rome under Pope Sergius I, who promoted a solemn celebration of Mary's Nativity.

But why September 8❓

Here comes the beautiful part. ✨

The date appears to have been connected with the ancient Eastern Christian liturgical calendar and the dedication of a church in Jerusalem associated with Mary's birth.

And there is another fascinating connection…

💙 September 8 is exactly nine months after December 8 — the Solemnity of Mary's Immaculate Conception.

December 8 → Mary's conception
September 8 → Mary's birth

Nine months.

🌹A beautiful liturgical rhythm.

The Church therefore does not say:

“Here is the historical document proving Mary was born on September 8.”

Instead, September 8 is an ancient and treasured Christian tradition handed down through the Church's liturgical life.

🫡And perhaps the most beautiful thought is this:

Before Mary became the mother who stood beneath the Cross…

Before she carried Jesus in her arms…

Before she said,

“Let it be to me according to your word.” ❤️

There was simply a little girl…

Born into the world according to God's mysterious plan.

🌹 Mary's birthday reminds us that God can prepare something extraordinary through an apparently ordinary beginning.

Her life began quietly.

But through her “YES”, the Savior of the world entered human history.

🎂 Happy Birthday, Blessed Virgin Mary❗

May your “YES” to God inspire our own.

💙🌹 September 8 — The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Did you know that the exact historical date of Mary's birth is unknown, but September 8 has been celebrated by Christians for many centuries?

09/05/2026

St. Teresa of Calcutta and St. John Paul II shared one of the most remarkable friendships of the 20th century. Though different in temperament and mission, the two saints complemented each other in profound ways. John Paul II provided a clear theological vision of human dignity amid the darkness of abortion, atheism, and materialism. Mother Teresa lived that vision daily by serving the poorest of the poor with radical love.

Both experienced decisive moments in 1946: John Paul was ordained a priest, while Sister Teresa received her “call within a call” to leave the convent and work among the dying on the streets of Calcutta. Throughout their lives, both remained deeply devoted to the Virgin Mary and the Rosary.

Their friendship found a powerful expression in 1986, when the Pope visited Mother Teresa’s hospice, Nirmal Hriday, in the heart of Calcutta’s slums. Visibly moved by the suffering and the quiet dignity he witnessed, he called the center “a place that bears witness to the primacy of love.” Mother Teresa later described that day as the happiest of her life. At each of their meetings, the Pope would kiss the top of her head in blessing, while she kissed his papal ring with reverence.

After her death in 1997, John Paul II beatified her in 2003. In his homily he spoke of her with personal gratitude: “I am personally grateful to this courageous woman, whom I have always felt beside me. Mother Teresa, an icon of the Good Samaritan, went everywhere to serve Christ in the poorest of the poor.”

Together they remain enduring witnesses—one teaching the truth of human dignity, the other living it with a smile and open hands.

08/31/2026

08/28/2026

Congratulations Bishop Ricken! Thank you for being our Shepherd.

Today we mark the 18th anniversary of Bishop David Ricken's installation as Bishop of Green Bay (Aug. 28, 2008)!

This photo captures that grace-filled moment on Jan. 6, 2000, when St. John Paul II ordained him to the episcopacy.

Happy Anniversary, Bishop Ricken! We are grateful for your faithful leadership! 💛

08/17/2026

By Scott Cason | On Mission MANITOWOC, WI — Pope Leo XIV proclaimed a Franciscan jubilee year from January 10, 2026, to January 10, 2027, to mark the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. This year is both a time for spiritual renewal and a call…

08/17/2026

Joy on the Journey Letting God Coach Us by Sister Mary Teresa Bettag

08/16/2026

Absolutely loving all the stunning fresh flower bouquets on our altars! Thank you to those who work behind scenes and plant and organize all those flowers!💐

08/14/2026

This Chapel is absolutely stunning!

08/07/2026

Registration for our Religious Education program is now open!

We are excited to welcome children and families for another year of growing in faith, learning about God's love, and building lasting friendships within our parish community.

We invite all families with children in grades 1-11th to register for the upcoming year. Whether your family is returning or joining us for the first time, we look forward to walking with you on this faith journey.

If you have any questions about the program or the registration process, please reach out by DM and we will assist you.

We look forward to a wonderful year of faith, learning, and community.