On July 26, we celebrate the Feast of Saints Anne and Joachim, the parents of the Virgin Mary. Saint Anne was born in Bethlehem and eventually married Joachim, a shepherd from Nazareth. The two were childless, and Anne was growing older.
Both Anne and Joachim were visited by angels who promised they would bear a child who would be celebrated for all of time. The two were soon blessed with a daughter, Mary, whose life Anne promised to devote to God. In thanksgiving for the miracle God had given them, Anne and Joachim delivered Mary to serve at the Temple when she was three years old. There she began her journey in faith that eventually led her to motherhood, as well.
Because of his model of devotion to the Father, Saint Joachim is the patron saint of both fathers and grandfathers. He is most always portrayed dressed in green, which is the color of hope. Similarly, Saint Anne is the patron saint of mothers and grandmothers; she is also the patron saint of infertile women and unborn children. She is often portrayed as a loving, devoted mother to young Mary.
Saints Anne and Joachim, pray for us!
