July 26 | Saints Anne & Joachim

Born/died: c. 1st century BC

Attributes: the child Mary

Vocation: married 

Patronage: Grandparents; Anne is the patron of mothers and women in labor  

Canonization: Pre-congregation 

Though Scripture contains no information about the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Catholic Tradition holds that their names were Joachim and Anne. The Protoevangelium of James, which is not included in the canon of the Bible, depicts them as devout and holy Jews who were barren. They fasted and prayed and begged God to give them a child until Anne conceived Mary. Catholics celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception annually on December 8th. 

When Mary was three years old, they took her to the Temple to be consecrated to God. The Church celebrates the Presentation of Mary annually on November 21st. 

As the grandparents of Jesus, Anne and Joachim’s joint feast day is a reminder for us to honor our own grandparents. 

Sts. Anne and Joachim, pray for us.