The Grandparents of Jesus

Saints Joachim and Anne
Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary; Grandparents of the Lord Jesus
The “In-Laws” of Saint Joseph

While neither Joachim nor Anne are mentioned in Sacred Scriptures, the Church does not think it inappropriate to honor the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary. What we know of them is passed down to us in a document of the second century known as  the Protoevangelium of James, (First Gospel of James) popular in the Middle Ages. While apocryphal, i.e., not considered the inspired Word of God and thus not part of the canon of Scripture, one can appreciate the beauty and symbolic value within it. The account of their lives parallels the Old Testament story of Hannah and the birth of Samuel. (1 Sam1)
 
According to the Protoevangelium of James, Joachim was born at Nazareth. The name given him is of Hebrew origin meaning, “God will establish.”  He was a wealthy member of the tribe of Judah who owned great herds. He married  Anne, born in Bethlehem and also of the tribe of Judah. The name Anne is of Hebrew origin, meaning “God has favored me.” Unfortunately, the couple was deeply grieved because they were childless. Among the Jews this was the worst humiliation. When Joachim went to the Temple to offer sacrifice, he was turned away on the basis that childless men were unworthy of admission. They lived with this “disgrace” for many years. Dejected  and sorrowful, Joachim retreated to the  desert to pray and to fast for forty days and forty nights in solitude to beseech God for a child even though they were advanced in years. Learning why her husband was away so long, Anne too deeply grieved, devoted herself to prayer that the Lord might lift the curse of her infertility, vowing to dedicate  her child to the service of God. An angel appeared to them both who told them their prayers were answered. The same promise was given to Joachim, who then rushed home to find Anne at the city gate to meet him.
 
The Lord’s promise was fulfilled when a daughter was born to Joachim and Anne. They named her Miriam (Mary) which in Hebrew means, “Beloved.” (The Nativity of Mary is celebrated on September 8; the Holy Name of Mary, September 12). Anne made a “sanctuary” in Mary’s room, allowing nothing common or unclean to enter it. The child grew stronger day by day. Joachim and Anne held a great feast to celebrate Mary’s first birthday inviting the priests, scribes, and elders. When Mary was three years old, Joachim and Anne presented her in the Temple in Jerusalem. (a memorial celebrated on November 21) There she was received and blessed by the priest and Mary “danced with her feet, and all the house of Israel loved her.” (P.J. n.7) Mary remained in the Temple until she was twelve years old when she was betrothed to Joseph.
 
The Protoevangelium of James recounts nothing more about Joachim and Anne. There are various traditions that are passed down regarding the time of their deaths.
           
Devotion to Saints Joachim and Anne has been a part of the Church’s liturgical life since the 6^th century in the East and the 8^th century in the West.  At one time, they were honored separately: Joachim on August 16 and Anne on July 26.  The reform of the liturgical calendar in 1970 honors them together on July 26. Saint Joachim is the patron of fathers, grandfathers, grandparents, married couples, cabinet makers and linen traders. Saint Anne is the patron of childless women, expectant mothers, women in labor, and  homemakers.
 
If this devout couple was called upon to bear insults and humiliation, it is because all cooperation in the work of redemption involves sharing in the cross of Christ. Their story also evokes a theme dear in Scripture—the children are a gift of God. We are also reminded that the destiny of God’s people rests not  in human planning, but in the hands of God alone. Joachim and Anne remind us that disciples are not self-sufficient, and that what is required of them is abandonment to a God on whose initiative alone salvation depends.  
 
On their feast, the Church especially honors them as grandparents allowing us to reflect on the vital role grandparents have in completing the loving family unit and nurturing the faith of future generations. Grandparents can be teachers of their grandchildren to love the ways of the Lord and to observe his commandments.  
 
Pope Francis said, “Mary grew up in the home of Joachim and Anne; she was surrounded by their love and faith; in their home she learned to listen to the Lord and to follow his will.  Saints Joachim and Anne were part of a long chain of people who had transmitted their faith and love of God, expressed in the warmth and love of family life, down to Mary, who received the Son of God in her womb and who gave him to the world, to us.  
 
Sources:              
Butler’s Lives of the Saints:  ed M. Walsh; Harper and Rowe, 1991
Dictionary of the Saints:  J. Delancy; Doubleday, 1980
Lives of the Saints:  R. McBrien;  Harper Collins: 2001
Protoevangelium of James:  www.newadvent.org/fathers/0847.htm
The Saints:  ed: J. Coulson; Hawthorne, 1960