Tradition states that Saint Joachim and Saint Anne were the parents of Mary, the mother of God.  While there is no mention of them in scripture, stories began to surface with their names around a hundred years after Jesus’ Resurrection. 

Writings such as The Protoevangelium of James mention Joachim as a wealthy member of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. He and Anne were childless and prayed ceaselessly for a child. Their prayer was answered when an angel appeared to St. Anne and told her not only would she have a child, but that generations would know of her.” 

Similar stories appeared in writings as well. 

Today we celebrate Saints Joachim and Anne on July 26th as parents of Mary and grandparents of Jesus. 

Some ways to celebrate this feast day:

• Pray for your (child’s) grandparents
• Call, visit, or make a card for your (child’s) grandparents 
• Do a coloring page of Saints Joachim and Anne and hang it up in your(child’s) room as a reminder to continue to pray for your grandparents. If they are no longer living, pray for their souls. 
• Ask for St. Joachim and St. Anne’s intercession