Saints Anne and Joachim, Parents of the Blessed Mother
Saturday, July 26th Readings Reflection: Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Today is the Feast of Saints Anne and Joachim, the parents of Our Lady. Neither saint is mentioned by name in the Bible, but some early Christian apocryphal (that is, not belonging to the Canon of Scripture) texts give us some information about them.
According to these apocryphal texts, Saints Anne and Joachim were a pious couple who lived in Nazareth. For many years (some sources say 20 years), the couple was unable to conceive any children, a cross that bore heavily on the holy couple. They prayed that God would send them a child, and St. Anne promised that she would dedicate their child to the service of God. In answer to their prayers, an angel appeared and assured each saint that God had heard their prayers, promising that “the fruit of thy [St. Anne’s] womb shall be blessed by all the world.” Soon after, the couple conceived and bore a daughter, whom they named Mary.
Saints Anne and Joachim presented their daughter in the Temple when she was three years old. According to some accounts, St. Joachim died soon after Mary’s presentation in the Temple. This is likely why artistic depictions of Our Lady’s instruction as a child portray only St. Anne and not St. Joachim teaching their holy child.
The Alleluia antiphon for today’s feast is the following passage from the Epistle of St. James: “Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls” (Jas 1:21). In a very real way, St. Anne housed within her womb a child who whose fiat would welcome the Incarnation. Within St. Anne’s womb was the one whom God had chosen to be His Mother, the one who would house within her own womb the incarnate Word of God, Who would take away the sins of the world.
In sacred art, Saints Anne and Joachim are often portrayed wearing green garments, as green often symbolizes hope in sacred art. These great saints remind us of the importance of always having faith and hope even in the midst of sufferings, as God rewarded their faithfulness by making them the grandparents of His incarnate Son. With such a close familial tie to Our Lord, Saints Anne and Joachim are powerful intercessors before the throne of God. May we seek their intercession for our needs today and always, trusting that in all things, God is accomplishing His Will and drawing us ever closer to Himself.
Saints Joachim and Anne, ora pro nobis!
As a “grampy” to four wonderful humans, I can begin to taste the joys of Sts. Anne & Joachim! Help me guide my grandkids to find a place in their hearts for your grandson, Jesus.
Thank you for sharing your reflections. 🙏🏼🥰