When St. Ann’s Parish was established in 1906, the tradition of hosting a Novena of Masses to honour our parish patron began. The nine consecutive days of devotions to St. Ann draw down many graces from Heaven. Annually, we collect written accounts of miracles and favour received through the intercession of St. Ann to give great thanks and glory to God for what He has done through her intercession.
In 1907, just one year after the Novena began, Bishop Thomas Dowling, Bishop of Hamilton, presented the parish with a first class relic of St. Ann, part of the bone of her arm, which came from the Shrine in Quebec. This great privilege of being a home to a relic of the Mother of Mary and the Grandmother of Jesus has been a source of countless blessings for our parish.
Our devotion to St. Ann continues. On the second Sunday of each month after the Sunday Masses parishioners and visitors can venerate and receive a blessing with the relic. Further, the Nine Day Novena brings many current and past parishioners and devotees of St. Ann back to the church to honour her and ask for her help with many requests.
Every year, the 7pm Novena Masses begin on July 18 and conclude on July 26 with a feast day celebration in honour of St. Ann.