Saint Joachim and Anne
Feast Day: July 26
Saints Joachim and Anne were the parents of the Virgin Mary. That means they were the grandparents of Jesus. The Bible does not tell us about them. Most of what we know comes from early Christian stories and tradition.
Their names come from a book called the Protoevangelium of James. This book is not in the Bible, but early Christians read it. It tells the story of Mary’s birth and the faith of her parents.
Joachim and Anne are remembered for their deep trust in God. They wanted a child for many years. They believed God would bless them, and he did.
They are honored by both Catholics and Orthodox Christians. Their feast day is July 26. They are examples of strong faith and loving family life.
Waiting for a Child
We do not know much about the early life of Joachim and Anne. The Bible does not tell their story. But old Christian writings and stories give us some details.
Joachim was a good and faithful man. He gave to the poor and followed God’s law. Anne was kind and patient. They were a married couple who loved God.
They had no children for many years. This made them very sad. In their time, not having children was seen as a shame. Some even thought it was a punishment.
But Joachim and Anne did not lose hope. They prayed. They trusted that God would bless them in time. They believed that their prayers would be heard.
A Special Baby Girl
One day, after many years of waiting, God answered their prayers. An angel told Anne that she would have a child. Joachim also received a message while praying in the desert.
Anne gave birth to a baby girl. They named her Mary. She would grow up to be the mother of Jesus. Her birth was a great joy to them and to the world.
The story of Mary’s birth is found in the Protoevangelium of James. This story shows that God works through simple people. Joachim and Anne did not do anything big. They just trusted God.
Mary was raised in a home filled with faith. Her parents taught her to pray and to love God. Their faith helped prepare Mary for the special role she would have.
Quiet but Important
Joachim and Anne never saw the full story of Jesus. But their part was still very important. Without them, Mary would not have been born.
They raised Mary to love and trust God. They gave her a strong foundation of faith. Mary’s “yes” to God began in the home of Joachim and Anne.
They did not preach or perform miracles. They lived quiet, faithful lives. They loved each other, loved God, and raised a holy child.
Their story reminds us that even small acts of faith matter. God uses ordinary people in his plan. Joachim and Anne show us that being good parents is a holy thing.
Saints Across the World
Joachim and Anne have been loved by Christians for many centuries. Churches and schools are named after them. Many grandparents pray to them for help.
In art, Saint Anne is often shown teaching Mary how to pray. Joachim is sometimes shown offering a lamb or praying in the wilderness. These images remind us of their faith.
Eastern Christians have honored them since early times. Western Christians also grew in devotion to them over time. By the Middle Ages, their feast was widely celebrated.
They are also special to people who struggle to have children. Many pray to them when they are waiting for a child, just like Joachim and Anne once did.
Remembered and Honored
Joachim and Anne were never formally canonized by the Church. This is because they were honored as saints very early in Christian history. Their sainthood was accepted by the whole Church.
Their feast day is July 26. On this day, the Church remembers their faith and their role in Mary’s life. Some churches hold special Masses and prayers for grandparents.
They are the patron saints of grandparents. They are also patrons of parents, married couples, and those who are trying to have children. Many people ask for their prayers.
Their story is simple, but important. They trusted God, waited with patience, and raised Mary to love God. Their quiet faith helped prepare the way for Jesus.
Daily Mass Readings
- First Reading – Sirach 44:1, 10-15: The faithful of past generations are remembered for their virtue. Their families live on, and their wisdom is retold with honor by those who come after them.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 132: God made a lasting promise to David. He chose Zion as his dwelling and will raise a ruler from David’s line. His enemies will fall, but his chosen one will be honored.
- Gospel – Matthew 13:16-17: You are blessed, because you see and hear what others longed for but never received. Many before you hoped for this, but it was not given to them.
Homilies, Commentaries, and Reflections
Faith in the Waiting
Saints Joachim and Anne remind us that good things often take time. They waited many years for a child. They felt sorrow and shame. People around them may have judged them. But they did not give up. They kept praying. They kept trusting God. This kind of faith speaks to anyone who is waiting for something—whether it’s a child, an answer, or a change in life.
They did not do anything big in the eyes of the world. They were not rich or famous. They simply lived their lives with faith and love. They taught Mary to love God. They built a home where faith was real. Through their care, Mary grew strong in her faith. And through Mary, Jesus came into the world. This shows how quiet acts of love can lead to something much greater than we see.
Their story reminds us of the power of family. They were parents and grandparents. They played their part in God’s plan just by living with love and trust. Many people today are trying to raise children or care for family. Joachim and Anne show that doing this with love matters. It is not easy, but it is holy.
They also help those who feel left out or forgotten. They were once childless and looked down on. But God saw them. God listened to them. Their story can comfort anyone who feels like their prayers are going unanswered. Faith does not always bring quick results. But God is always working, even in the quiet and unseen moments.
Reflection Questions:
- What am I waiting for in my life right now?
- How can I stay faithful when things take longer than I hoped?
- What small acts of love can I offer in my home or family?
- How can I trust that God is working, even when I do not see it?
Raising the Next Saint
Saints Joachim and Anne raised Mary to love God and know her faith. Their quiet, faithful lives shaped the woman who would become the Mother of Jesus. They show us that parents have a powerful role in God’s plan.
If we want to see more saints in the world, we need to tell their stories. Children need to hear about courage, sacrifice, and holiness—not just from the world, but from us. When we share the lives of the saints, we plant seeds that can grow into something beautiful.
Resources
The Protoevangelium of James (Annotated): The Non-canonical Infancy Gospel
This edition of the Protoevangelium of James is a simple version with notes and Bible references. It tells the story of Mary’s birth, her parents (Joachim and Anne), her early life, and her betrothal to Joseph. The book says Jesus was born in a cave and that Joseph was older and had children. Many early Christian writers believed this book was true. It was once read in some churches in the East. Though some churches later called it apocryphal, it was still very popular and important in early Christian history. This new edition helps readers understand it better.
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Questions and Answers about Saints Joachim and Anne
Who were Saints Joachim and Anne?
They were the parents of the Virgin Mary and the grandparents of Jesus.
Are they in the Bible?
No, their names are not in the Bible. We know about them from old Christian stories.
Where did they live?
They likely lived in or near Jerusalem, but we are not sure.
Did they have any children besides Mary?
There is no record of other children. Mary is the only one we know about.
Why are they saints?
They are honored for their faith and for raising Mary to love God.
What is their feast day?
Their feast day is July 26.
What are they the patron saints of?
They are the patron saints of grandparents, parents, married couples, and people who cannot have children.
How did they become saints?
They were never officially canonized. Early Christians honored them, and the Church accepted them as saints.
Is there a prayer to Saints Joachim and Anne?
Yes, many people pray to them for help with family, children, or faith.
Why are they important to the Church?
They show us the value of faith, patience, and family life. They helped prepare the way for Jesus.
Simple Faith, Strong Roots
Saints Joachim and Anne were quiet people who lived with strong faith. They waited many years to have a child. They stayed close to God even when life was hard. God heard their prayers and gave them Mary, who would be the mother of Jesus.
They are not famous for doing great things in public. They did not preach or travel. But they raised a holy daughter and built a home filled with faith. That made a big difference in God’s plan.
Their story shows that family life matters. Prayer, patience, and love in the home can change the world. Even when no one is watching, God sees.
Joachim and Anne remind us that God works through ordinary people. They teach us to trust, to wait, and to raise children in love. They are examples for parents, grandparents, and anyone trying to live with faith.
Your Turn
Want to learn more about Saints Joachim and Anne? Their story can help us see the beauty of everyday faith. Take a little time to read more about them or say a simple prayer asking for their help.
We also want to hear from you. Have you ever prayed to Saints Joachim and Anne? Do you have a story about faith in your own family? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s learn from each other.
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