Who were Saints Anne and Joachim?
The Bible tells us a lot about Mary, but not the names of her parents. A very old writing, not part of the Bible, does: it says they were Joachim and Anne, a kind couple who loved God, helped people in need and kept a peaceful home. They were older now, with silver in their hair, and there was one empty place in their home: they had no child.
The old story says Anne prayed in her garden and Joachim prayed out in the hills, each asking God for a baby and trusting that God was listening. Years went by, but God had not forgotten them. An angel told them a child was coming, and a baby girl was born. They named her Mary, and the Church celebrates her birthday on September 8.
We can imagine Anne and Joachim rocking little Mary, singing to her and teaching her the prayers of her people. The old story says that when she was still small, they took her to the Temple in Jerusalem to offer her to God, and the Church remembers this on November 21. Mary grew up to be the mother of Jesus, so Anne and Joachim are Jesus’ grandparents, and we ask them to pray for grandparents everywhere.
When is Saints Anne and Joachim’s feast day?
Saints Anne and Joachim’s feast day is July 26. Husband and wife share one feast. For a long time Saint Joachim had a day of his own, but since 1969 the Church remembers them together.
Clara tells the whole story at bedtime, in the Little Prayer Stories app.Get the app →
