Saints Anne & Joachim Prayer Card (PC-41)
Pickup available at 7118 Beech Ridge Trail
Usually ready in 2-4 days
PC-41 — Saints Anne & Joachim Prayer Card
The grandparents of God — who raised the woman who would say yes to the world's salvation
They are never mentioned by name in the New Testament. Everything the Church knows about them comes through sacred tradition and an ancient document called the Protoevangelium of James, which dates to the second century. Yet Saints Anne and Joachim hold a place in salvation history that no one else can claim: they are the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the grandparents of Jesus Christ.
According to tradition, Anne and Joachim were a devout and prosperous Jewish couple who shared one great sorrow: they were childless. In a society where barrenness was considered a sign of divine disfavor, this wound ran deep. Joachim withdrew to the desert to fast and pray. Anne remained at home, weeping and making a solemn promise to God: if He would give her a child, she would consecrate that child entirely to His service. Both received the message of an angel — and their prayer was answered. The child born to them was Mary, and they kept their promise. When she was three years old, they brought her to the Temple in Jerusalem and presented her to God.
They raised the Immaculate Conception. They are the reason Mary knew how to pray, how to read the Scriptures, how to love God — the reason she was ready to say "Fiat" when the angel came. Their names mean "God grants" (Joachim) and "grace" (Anne). Together, they are the patron saints of grandparents, parents, grandmothers, grandfathers, expectant mothers, and all who hope and pray for the gift of a child. Their feast day is July 26th.
Perfect for: Grandparents' Day gifts, grandparents, parents struggling with infertility, July 26th feast day, family prayer, baby showers, and anyone who wants to honor the hidden holiness of ordinary family life.