Joachim

Who they were

Scripture says nothing of Mary's parents: what is known comes from apocryphal texts such as the Protoevangelium of James, and from tradition. Joachim is remembered as a good and wealthy man of David's line who gave part of his income to the people and part in sacrifice to God. He and Anne lived in Jerusalem and had no children for more than twenty years.

Reproached in the Temple for being childless, Joachim withdrew to the desert to fast and pray for forty days and nights, while Anne prayed at home. An angel appeared to each of them; they met at the Golden Gate of Jerusalem, and in time Anne gave birth to Mary. Tradition places their house near the Pool of Bethesda, where the Crusaders built the church of St Anne.

The miracles

There was never a formal cause: Joachim and Anne are honoured by long tradition as the parents of Our Lady. They share the memorial of 26 July, and are patrons of grandparents.

Why that counted as sanctity

Joachim and Anne kept faith through years of disappointment and prayed without giving up. God answered by giving them the mother of His Son, and in their home Mary grew up.

Connected on this site

• Saint Anne Saint Spouse
• Saint Joseph Saint Relative