Today is the feast of Saints Joachim (sometimes spelled Joaquin) and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the grandparents of Jesus. There is no mention of them in the Scriptures, but tradition has it that they were childless and advanced in years when, after much praying and fasting, they finally had a daughter, and they named her Mary. According to certain writings, she was promised to Joachim and Anne by an angel; she was consecrated to God and remained a virgin all her life.
It is obvious that Mary had good, faithful parents who raised her with a love and devotion to God.
Though not much more is known about Saints Joachim and Anne, devotion to them, especially to Saint Anne, began to grow as early as the sixth century. Churches were built in her honor, prayers were offered for her intercession, devotions were formulated, and patronages were attributed to her. It was not until the sixteenth century that devotion to Saint Joachim began to grow when his feast day was placed on the General Roman Calendar.
Models for Parents
Regardless of the authenticity of the legends about Saints Joachim and Anne, we know for certain that the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Immaculate Conception, had parents. They loved her, raised her, and offered her to God. Today they are saints under the names of Joachim and Anne, and the faithful continue to seek their intercession. They are especially called upon for their intercession for grandparents. In fact, on a spiritual level, just as the Blessed Virgin Mary can be seen as our spiritual mother, so also Saint Joachim and Anne can be seen as our spiritual grandparents in the order of grace.
Joaquim and Anne serve as role models for parents, and both deserve to be honored and emulated for their devotion to God and Our Lady, Mary, the Mother of God.
It is a good day to remember our own grandparents and appreciate the immense value they bring to families. Grandparents offer a unique kind of love, a blend of friendship and guidance that shapes a child’s life. From what I hear, a grandparent’s love is so incredible as to be unsurpassing; a joy that cannot be measured when seeing a tiny version of your own flesh and blood. It is a joy to hear stories of grandparents spoiling their grandkids with all kinds of healthy foods and then returning them back to their parents, with a twinkle in their eye.
Love and Comfort
My son-in-law was very close to his grandmother while he was growing up, and it was especially convenient that she lived next door to his home. He considers himself lucky, going over to watch TV or enjoy a slice of her freshly baked bread. He enjoyed his time with her and says it was a relationship without the responsibilities and complications of home life. It was just love and comfort.
For those of you who are fortunate enough to have your grandparents still alive, hug them tight and give them a kiss, even if it must be virtual if distance is a factor. For others, it is a good day to remember our own grandparents, and if they have passed on, to pray for them.
[Readings for the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne: Sirach 44:1, 10-15; Matthew 13:16-17; Readings for Friday, Week 16: Jeremiah 3:14-17; Mathew 13:18-23]
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