Saint Anne

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. Anne is said to have been the sister of Esmeria, Elizabeth's mother, which would make her great-aunt of John the Baptist. Married to Joachim and living in Jerusalem, she had no child for more than twenty years.

While Joachim fasted in the desert she prayed at home for the grace of motherhood; an angel announced to each of them that they would have a child, and Anne gave birth to Mary, whom she raised with tender care and taught the work of the home. The Crusaders built the church of St Anne near the Pool of Bethesda, where tradition places their house.

The miracles

There was never a formal cause: Anne and Joachim 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

Anne is honoured as the mother who prayed for a child through long years and raised the Mother of God. The Church sees in her and Joachim the grace of family, patience and faith handed down.

Connected on this site

• Joachim Saint Spouse
• Saint Joseph Saint Relative
• John the Baptist Saint
  “Anne is said to have been the sister of Esmeria, Elizabeth's mother, which would make her great-aunt of John the Baptist.” — this site's research