St. Anne's Shrine, Isle LaMotte, Vermont

Tuesday, July 26, 2016 is the feast day of St. Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus and the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Scripture does not mention Sts. Joachim and Anne, but from very early times in Christianity they have been included in written accounts of Mary and other events related to the life of Jesus. For a short and readable treatment of these early sources on Joachim and Anne this book is helpful, The Life and Cult of Saint Anne by Gerard Desrochers, CssR. https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0013Q9AM4

The pictures in this post were taken on a recent vacation to Isle LaMotte, Vermont. The Shrine of St. Anne is one of the oldest sites in Vermont. The Edmundite Fathers staff the shrine and provided inspiration, guidance and the sacraments to those who seek to honor St. Anne and ask for her intercession. Isle LaMotte is a very picturesque and quiet spot to visit, and it makes a true site for relaxation and refreshment from the busy demands of life. Here is a link to the shrine complete with its history and information if you wish to make a pilgrimage or retreat or just want to stop in for a brief visit during your stay in this northern New England state. http://www.saintannesshrine.org/ Below are more pictures from the Shrine of St. Anne at Isle LaMotte and a prayer to St. Joachim and St. Anne for your intentions.

Prayer to St. Anne and St. Joachim

Dear St. Anne and St. Joachim, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and grandparents of Jesus, our Divine Savior, have pity on your loving and trusting client, and listen to the petition which I present to you.

Oh, blessed Saints, you are both dear to the Heart of Jesus, whose beloved Mother was your own tender, devoted child! Can He refuse anything to you, in whose veins the same blood flowed. Which afterwards furnished the precious price of our redemption? Great saints, nothing was impossible to your power and influence over the young Jesus, “Who grew and waxed strong, full of wisdom “under the maternal care of your glorious daughter, the Queen of Heaven and Earth. In mercy and compassion, be like Him “Who went about doing good,” and come to the aid of your servant in my great necessity!

St. Anne, St. Joachim, beloved parents of Mary, “our life, our sweetness and our hope,” pray to her for me and obtain my request. Amen

Some history of the original settlement at St. Anne's Shrine, Isle LaMotte

French Explorer of the Green Mountain State

St. Anthony

St. Patrick

Our Lord on the Cross overlooking Lake Champlain at St. Anne Shrine

Sunset on Lake Champlain

Celebrate St. Junipero Serra's Feast Day, July 1

St. Junipero Serra was born in Petra on the island of Majorca off the east coast of Spain. Here are a couple of recipes that are native to Majorca. You might want to try them as you celebrate the feast day of St. Junipero Serra, today, July 1. To read about Fr. Serra's life, go to http://www.usccb.org/about/leadership/holy-see/francis/papal-visit-2015/junipero-serra-biography.cfm

                   

A very scrumptious cake, try it!

INGREDIENTS

• Unsalted butter and all-purpose flour for preparing pan
• 8 eggs, separated
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 2 cups coarsely ground blanched almonds

PREPARATION

Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Butter an 11-inch round cake pan with 2-inch sides and then dust it with flour, shaking out any excess.

In a large bowl, combine the egg yolks and sugar an whisk together until smooth and foamy. Add the lemon zest, cinnamon, and vanilla, if using, and mix well. Add the ground almonds a little at a time, mixing well after each addition to incorporate fully.

Using a whisk or a handheld mixer, beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks. Scoop about one-third of the whites onto the egg yolk mixture and, using a rubber spatula, fold them in to lighten the mixture. Then add the remaining whites and fold them in gently but thoroughly, deflating the batter as little as possible.

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Bake the cake for about 30 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and, holding the cake pan 6 inches above a countertop, drop the pan onto the counter. This simple dropping action shocks the cake, making it easier to remove from the pan.

Transfer the cake to a wire rack and let cool in the pan until warm. Run a knife around the inside of the pan to loosen the cake sides and then invert the cacke onto the rack and lift off the pan. Place the cake upright on a serving plate. Serve warm or at room temperature with ice cream, if desired.

                                        Ensaimadas

This very delicious pastry is labor intensive to make but worth every mouthful. Below is the link to the recipe.

http://spanishfood.about.com/od/dessertssweets/ss/How-To-Make-Ensaimadas-Mallorcan-Spiral-Pastry.htm#showall

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