The Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary by Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich 11. THE DONKEY KNEELS BEFORE JESUS. ST. ANNE'S MAID FROM NAZARETH COMES TO MARY.

[November 27 ^th:] Today I saw a very touching scene in the cave. Joseph and Mary were standing by the Crib, looking at the Infant Jesus with great devotion, when the donkey threw himself suddenly on his knees and bent his head down to the ground. Mary and Joseph wept. In the evening came messengers from Anna, the Blessed Virgin's holy mother. An elderly man and Anna's maidservant, a widow who was related to her, arrived from Nazareth. [Please see Figure 16.] They brought all kinds of little things which Mary needed. They were greatly moved at seeing the Infant, and the old manservant wept tears of joy. He soon started home again to bring Anna news. The maidservant remained with the Blessed Virgin.

Figure 16. Saint Anne's maid.