Word of Life | USCCB

In June 2026, as part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. bishops will consecrate the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Parishes around the country are encouraged to join the bishops in consecrating our nation to the Sacred Heart in June.

The dates of Natural Family Planning Awareness Week highlight the anniversary of the papal encyclical Humanae vitae (July 25) and the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne (July 26), the parents of the Blessed Mother.

Couples’ stories, sample intercessions, homily notes, and more can be found online.

The 2026 poster is available to download or order.

St. Anne and St. Joachim became the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary after a long struggle with infertility. They honored God by forming their daughter in the faith, preparing her heart for the coming of Christ. Ultimately, as the grandparents of Jesus Christ, may they intercede for us all in passing on the faith to both children and grandchildren.

The Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is celebrated on July 26. They are powerful intercessors for married couples, expectant mothers, and married couples who are having difficulty conceiving, as well as people who are aging. Copies of the “Faith and Perseverance” novena to Saints Anne and Joachim are available for download or purchase. You can pray the novena from July 17-25 in preparation for their feast day.

Novena: Read Online | Download Ordering information is available here.

St. Anne and St. Joachim, pray for us!

The Solemnity of the Assumption celebrates the Blessed Mother’s entrance into heavenly glory. The Catechism explains that Mary “was taken up body and soul into the glory of heaven, where she already shares in the glory of her Son’s Resurrection, anticipating the resurrection of all members of his Body” (CCC, 974).

Mary’s Assumption into heaven reminds us that life on earth is a pilgrimage to our ultimate destination. We prepare in hope for our own passage into eternal life by the choices we make today. When we choose to love and follow God in our daily lives, we strengthen our relationship with Him, and this relationship is the true meaning of heaven: “To live in heaven is ‘to be with Christ’” (CCC, 1025).

We can see how, throughout her life, the Blessed Mother continually chose to go deeper into her relationship with God. She modeled how to value and respect His precious gift of human life, from the moment of conception to its natural end. In the Annunciation, through her “yes,” Mary witnessed to the undeniable humanity of pre-born children as she conceived and carried the Christ child in her womb. After the Annunciation, having learned that her cousin Elizabeth was with child, she went in haste to her aid.

Our Blessed Mother shows us how the way we live today can prepare us, in hope, to also enter into heavenly glory at the end of our lives. Are we open to God’s precious gift of new life? How do we support pregnant mothers and parents? Do we prioritize showing our love to those who are ill or aging? Do we care for them in a way that respects God’s gift of life?

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Catechism of the Catholic Church, second edition © 2000 LEV-USCCB. Used with permission. All rights reserved.