During our earthly pilgrimage, Mary is the biblical 'pillar of fire' that illuminates us, the 'star that guides us' towards the heavenly homeland, the 'safe port' where consolation and refuge are found. Led by her, believers go forward in confidence, aware of her tender presence, which constantly leads to Christ. Therefore, in order to highlight this truth, the U.S. Church has called on the faithful to celebrate July 26, the feast of Ss. Joachim and Anne, Mary's parents and Jesus' grandparents, with special solemnity.
Grandparents can be a sign of stability in a world of constant change.
They often given youngsters time and attention, and encourage them to flower with new talents. The bishops also quote John Paul II's conviction that the presence of grandparents in the family can help to avoid the division between generations so characteristic of present-day society. Sometimes, the role of grandparents in the family is irreplaceable. In the United States, the celebration will take place the following week, on September 24. Alfredo Gonzalez had been living for 9 months in the White Fathers' community in Hajj Yousif, south of Khartoum, the capital.