- 18 July, 2026
July 18, 2026: As the Church prepares to celebrate the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, Catholic Connect Matrimony is marking its second anniversary by inviting the faithful across India to unite in prayer through a nine-day National Online Novena dedicated to the patron saints of married couples, parents and grandparents.
Beginning on 18 July and continuing until 26 July 2026, the online novena offers Catholic singles, engaged couples, parents, families and all the faithful an opportunity to seek God's guidance and blessings for marriage and family life.
The initiative coincides with the second anniversary of Catholic Connect Matrimony, a matrimonial platform launched on 26 July 2024 as an initiative of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) to help faithful Catholics discern the vocation of marriage while remaining rooted in the teachings and values of the Catholic Church.
The Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, celebrated annually on 26 July, occupies a special place in the life of the Catholic Church. Though little is known historically about them, Christian tradition venerates Joachim and Anne as the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the grandparents of Jesus Christ.
Because of their role in nurturing Mary in faith and preparing the family into which Christ would be born, the Church honours them as the patron saints of married couples, parents, grandparents and families.
Their lives are seen as a powerful witness to patient trust in God's providence, steadfast faith during times of uncertainty and the importance of building homes centred on prayer, love and virtue. Their feast serves as a reminder that strong Christian families are the foundation of both the Church and society.
Rather than simply commemorating its second anniversary with a celebration, Catholic Connect Matrimony has chosen to mark the milestone through a shared spiritual journey.
Since its launch two years ago, the platform has helped thousands of Catholics across India and abroad connect with fellow believers who share their faith and values. Numerous meaningful relationships have developed through the initiative, with many couples beginning their journey towards the Sacrament of Marriage.
The organisers believe that prayer remains at the heart of every successful Christian vocation, particularly the vocation to marriage.
"The best way to celebrate this milestone is to place it before God and entrust every family, every young person discerning marriage and every couple preparing for their future to His loving care through the intercession of Saints Joachim and Anne," the organisers said.
The National Online Novena has been designed to welcome everyone, regardless of their stage in life.
It particularly invites:
Each evening's gathering will last approximately 10 to 15 minutes, making it accessible even for those with busy schedules.
The daily programme includes:
The novena will be led by two priests serving in the Church's Media Apostolate:
Their reflections will encourage participants to deepen their trust in God while reflecting on the Christian understanding of marriage, family life and vocational discernment.
The National Online Novena will be held:
Participation is free and open to everyone.
As Catholic Connect Matrimony enters its third year of service, the anniversary celebration highlights an important truth: Catholic marriage is not merely about finding a spouse but discerning God's plan through prayer, faith and trust.
The Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne offers a fitting occasion to renew that commitment. Their example continues to inspire Catholics to build families founded on love, fidelity and holiness while entrusting every stage of life's journey to God's providence.
Inspired by the words of Psalm 37:4 — "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart" — the organisers are encouraging participants to invite family members, parish communities and friends to join the novena.
As the Church prepares to honour the grandparents of Jesus, Catholics across the country are being invited to spend nine evenings in prayer, seeking the intercession of Saints Joachim and Anne for stronger families, holy marriages and faithful vocations for generations to come.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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