Saint of the Day: Sts. Joachim and Anne | Jul 26, 2024

Saints Joachim and Anne: Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary Saints Joachim and Anne are honored in the Catholic Church as the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and their lives are celebrated through tradition and apocryphal writings. Below are key facts about their lives, other saints celebrated on July 26th, and sources for more information.
Facts about Saints Joachim and Anne:
1. Early Life: Joachim and Anne were devout Jews who lived in Jerusalem.
2. Longing for a Child: They longed for a child ("que ansiavam por um filho") but remained childless for many years.
3. Angelic Promise: An angel appeared to them in their advanced age, promising the birth of a daughter.
4. Birth of Mary: Their daughter, Mary, was consecrated to God from her birth and remained a virgin throughout her life.
5. Faith and Devotion: Their trust in God's promise and dedication to raising Mary in holiness laid the foundation for her role in the divine plan of salvation.
6. Patronage: Saints Joachim and Anne are the patron saints of grandparents, parents, and married couples.
7. Canonization: Their veneration predates formal canonization processes and has been recognized since the early centuries of Christianity.
8. Feast Day: Their feast day is celebrated on July 26th.
9. Legacy: They symbolize the sanctity of familial love and the importance of nurturing faith within the family unit.
Other Saints Celebrated on July 26th:
1. Saint Bartholomew of Braga: A Franciscan friar known for his theological writings and missionary work.
2. Saint George Preca: A Maltese priest and founder of the Society of Christian Doctrine.
3. Saint Paraskevi of Rome: A martyr who lived during the 2nd century and is venerated for her piety and miracles.
4. Saint Titus Brandsma: A Dutch Carmelite priest and martyr who opposed Nazi ideology and was killed in Dachau.
Sources for More Information:
1. Catholic Online - Saints Joachim and Anne
2. Franciscan Media - Saints Joachim and Anne