Saints Joachim and Anne

At one of my parishes, Saint John the Baptist, in Hanover, Kansas there is a high altar that depicts several saints. One of those saints is Saint Anne. Saint Anne might be a better known name than Saint Joachim, but these two saints are the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the grandparents of Jesus Christ. It is their feast that we celebrate on the 26th day of July. According to the history, "From an ancient tradition, going back even to the second century, the parents of the Virgin Mary are known by the names of Joachim and Anne. Devotion to Saint Anne is found in the sixth century in the East, and by the tenth century it was widespread in the West. Saint Joachim was likewise honored, but at a more recent date" (Magnificat, 356). Something else to think about regarding Saints Joachim and Anne: from the Book of Sirach, "Remember, of these parents you were born; what can you give them for all they gave you" (7:28)? Then the commentary says: "The memorial of the couple identified by tradition as the parents of the Virgin Mary gives reason to rejoice in the gift of family life and to reflect on the mutual responsibility parents and children have to love one another and lead one another to holiness" (Magnificat, 353-54). Saints Joachim and Anne are a great example for us in how to live as a family and may their intercession be with all families as we strive to live the gifts of faith, holiness, and love. God Bless!!!