Saints celebrated on the 22nd of July
SAINT ANN WANG, VIRGIN AND MARTYR
Saint Ann Wang, a Catholic maiden of Wei County, China (Hebei Province), lost her mother at the age of four. Ann was very fervent, intently studying the Catechism and continually devoting herself to pious exercises.
At an early age she resolved to consecrate her virginity to God and dedicated her life to the service of the Church.
SHE RESOLVED TO CONSECRATE HER VIRGINITY TO GOD
Ann’s family, however, against her will, arranged a marriage for her.
But as Ann was taken to the wedding, she escaped and fled back to her own home.
In 1900 the Chinese quasi-religious faction known as the “Boxers” began a bloody persecution against Christians in China.
IT WAS ANN WHO LED THE WOMEN IN PRAYER
Ann, now fourteen, was among a group of Catholic women who, as the Boxers approached, took shelter in a school. It was Ann who led the women in prayer and by her words of encouragement helped them to persevere in their faith.
On July 21, 1900, the Boxers captured Ann and several other Catholics.
THEY WERE FOUND INCORRUPT
One of their number, (Saint) Joseph Wang Yumei, was slain before their eyes. On July 22, Ann and the others were beheaded and thrown into a pit. When eighteen months later their bodies were exhumed, they were found to be incorrupt.
“Grace, mercy, and peace be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son in truth and love.”
PRAYER:
Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Saint Ann may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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