St Joachim & St Ann : The Parents of Mother Mary

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Sixteenth Week :  Saturday*

*Gospel : Mt 13:16-17*

*First Reading : Sir 44:1, 10-15*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 132:11, 13-14, 17-18*

*St Joachim & St Ann : The Parents of Mother Mary*

*1) Grandparents of Jesus*

St. Joachim and St. Anne are traditionally recognized as the parents of the Virgin Mary and the grandparents of Jesus. 

While they are not mentioned by name in the canonical Bible, their story and veneration arise from early Christian tradition and apocryphal texts, most notably the Protoevangelium of James (circa 2nd century AD).

Some of the important lessons from their life

*2) Faith in God’s Promises*

Sts. Joachim and Anne’s story parallels other biblical couples who were barren but remained faithful — such as Abraham and Sarah, or Zechariah and Elizabeth. 

In the Protoevangelium of James, Joachim and Anne are said to be childless for many years, yet they continued in prayer and trust in God.

Just as God opened the wombs of Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, and Elizabeth to fulfill His plan, so too in Anne He worked a quiet miracle: the birth of Mary, full of grace and destined to be the Mother of God. 

Their patient trust reminds us that God often works through the hidden and humble to fulfill His promises.

*2) Holiness Begins in the Home*

Though we don’t have a biblical account of Joachim and Anne’s parenting, tradition holds that they raised Mary in deep holiness and devotion. 

Mary’s “yes” to God (Luke 1:38) and her profound faith likely began in a family environment where the love of God was central.

Joachim and Anne model how holiness in family life can form saints. 

Their example speaks to parents and grandparents today, showing that cultivating faith in the home can bear fruit across generations.

*3) Humble Service in God’s Plan*

Joachim and Anne are not prominent biblical figures, yet their quiet faithfulness is the foundation upon which the Incarnation was built. 

They lived outside the limelight, yet God used them for a mission greater than themselves.

Many of God’s greatest works are born from lives of quiet fidelity. 

Like Anne and Joachim, we may never see the full fruit of our prayers and sacrifices, but God uses them nonetheless to shape the future. 

*“What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”* (Micah 6:8)

*4) The Dignity of Old Age and Grandparenthood*

As the grandparents of Jesus, Joachim and Anne represent the vital spiritual role of elders in passing on faith. 

Their feast day (July 26) is often celebrated as a day of honoring grandparents.

Their lives affirm the value of generational faith and the unique role of elders in God’s work. 

Like Lois and Eunice, the grandmother and mother of Timothy (2 Tim. 1:5), Anne and Joachim remind us that the seeds of faith are often planted by loving hands of the past.

*5) Wisdom and Continuity*

Biblically, elders are revered as keepers of wisdom and memory. 

Joachim and Anne likely handed down the stories of God’s covenant with Israel, helping Mary understand her role in that sacred story.

Grandparents offer spiritual memory and perspective. In a world obsessed with the present, they remind families of where they’ve come from and what endures.

*6) Love and Presence*

Though we don't have a record of Joachim and Anne interacting with Jesus, it is beautiful to imagine them holding their grandson, offering comfort and joy to the Holy Family.

Grandparents are often a source of stability, tenderness, and joy — a living echo of God’s love.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*