Sts. Joachim and Anne
Feast day: July 26
Joachim and Anne are mentioned as the parents of Mary in the apocryphal Gospel of James. Born in Bethlehem, Anne married Joachim and although they had wealth and led a devout life, they were left childless. Joachim retreated to the desert to pray, and there he received word from an angel that Anne would conceive a child. An angel also appeared to Anne. The couple rejoiced at the birth of their daughter, Mary. In gratitude for God’s goodness, they brought Mary to the Temple in Jerusalem and consecrated her to God. Sts. Joachim and Anne are the grandparents of Jesus. They are patrons of grandparents.
Collect
O Lord, God of our Fathers,
who bestowed on Saints Joachim and Anne this grace,
that of them should be born the Mother of your incarnate Son,
grant, through the prayers of both,
that we may attain the salvation
you have promised to your people.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
