Pope Benedict Reflects on Saints Anne and Joachim - Catholic Insight

Saints Joachim and Anne, Grandparents of Jesus

The lives and names of Saints Joachim and Anne, who are known as the parents of Mary and grandparents of Jesus Christ, are derived from non-canonical, or apocryphal, literature. This includes the Gospel of the Nativity of Mary, the Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew, and the Protoevangelium of James. It’s important to note that the earliest version of the Protoevangelium, which seems to be the primary source for the other two, dates back to around 150 AD.…

Pope Benedict Reflects on Saints Anne and Joachim - Catholic Insight

On this day in 2009, at the end of his Angelus message, Pope Benedict had these brief words to say on Saints Joachim and Anne: A second point for reflection comes from today’s liturgical commemoration of Saints Joachim and Anne, parents of Our Lady, and therefore, grandparents of Jesus. This occasion makes us think of the subject of education which has an important place in the pastoral work of the Church. In particular, it invites us to pray fo…

Saints Joachim and Anne

Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, hold a special place in Christian devotion as models of faith, virtue, and parenthood. Although not mentioned in the canonical Gospels, their names and significance are found in early Christian writings and traditions. Joachim and Anne were devout Jews who lived in Nazareth. Despite their advanced age and the societal stigma associated with childlessness, they remained faithful to …