Sts. Joachim and Anne is one of the beloved saints of the Catholic Church. Joachim and Anne are venerated as the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and therefore the grandparents of Jesus. Though not mentioned in the canonical Gospels, their story comes from the Protoevangelium of James, an early Christian text. The Church celebrates Sts. Joachim and Anne's feast on 07-26.
Catholic Daily brings you the life of Sts. Joachim and Anne as part of our commitment to helping Catholics encounter the saints of the liturgical calendar every morning. Whether you are discovering Sts. Joachim and Anne for the first time or deepening a long-standing devotion, this page offers biography, prayers, and practical guidance for honoring this holy patron in your daily life.
Early Life and Calling of Sts. Joachim and Anne
Joachim and Anne are venerated as the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and therefore the grandparents of Jesus. Though not mentioned in the canonical Gospels, their story comes from the Protoevangelium of James, an early Christian text. They are honored for raising the woman who would become the Mother of God.
The vocation of Sts. Joachim and Anne reminds us that holiness is not the exclusive domain of monks and nuns but the universal call of every baptized Christian. The Second Vatican Council's Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium teaches that all the faithful are called to the fullness of Christian life and the perfection of charity — and Sts. Joachim and Anne's life is a shining example of that universal call answered with total generosity.
Patron Saint: Grandparents, married couples, cabinet makers (Anne), miners (Anne)
Sts. Joachim and Anne is honored as the patron saint of Grandparents, married couples, cabinet makers (Anne), miners (Anne). The designation of patron saints is a beautiful expression of the Catholic doctrine of the Communion of Saints — the belief that the saints in heaven are not distant figures from the past but active intercessors who accompany us in our earthly journey.
Those who work in or are associated with Grandparents have traditionally invoked Sts. Joachim and Anne's intercession for protection, guidance, and grace in their particular circumstances. The patronage of Sts. Joachim and Anne is grounded in the specific details of Anne's life and ministry, which created a lasting bond between this saint and those who share similar callings or needs.
How to Honor Sts. Joachim and Anne in Your Daily Life
The Church's tradition offers many beautiful ways to honor Sts. Joachim and Anne and seek Anne's intercession:
On the Feast Day (07-26): Attend Mass if possible, as the liturgy on Anne's feast day will often include readings and prayers that illuminate Anne's particular sanctity. Light a candle before an image of Sts. Joachim and Anne and spend a few minutes in prayer.
Daily Devotion: Place an image or icon of Sts. Joachim and Anne in your home — in your prayer corner, on your desk, or in your car. A simple morning invocation, "St. Anne, pray for us," draws Anne's intercession into your day.
Novena: A nine-day novena to Sts. Joachim and Anne can be prayed before the feast day (beginning nine days prior) or at any time of particular need. Many Catholics have reported profound graces through novena prayer.
Study: Read a biography of Sts. Joachim and Anne. The lives of the saints are the living commentary on the Gospel — they show us what it looks like to follow Christ in a particular time, culture, and vocation.
Prayer to Sts. Joachim and Anne
O glorious Sts. Joachim and Anne, whose life was a testament to the love and power of Almighty God, look upon us with mercy from your place before His throne. You who walked the path of holiness with courage and fidelity, intercede for us who struggle in the pilgrimage of faith. Obtain for us from God the graces we most need — especially [state your intention here] — and help us to follow your example of love, courage, and total surrender to God's will. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Feast Day Prayer (from the Roman Missal):Lord our God, you have given us Sts. Joachim and Anne as a witness to your goodness and mercy. May we who honor Anne's memory imitate Anne's virtues and one day share Anne's joy in your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Sts. Joachim and Anne in Art and Catholic Tradition
Sts. Joachim and Anne has been depicted in Catholic sacred art for centuries. Traditional iconography of the saints communicates theological truths through visual symbols — a language that transcends words and speaks directly to the heart.
Common symbols associated with Sts. Joachim and Anne in Catholic art may include:
- A halo or nimbus, indicating canonized sainthood
- Specific objects or instruments associated with Anne's life or martyrdom
- Liturgical vestments corresponding to Anne's state of life (religious habit, episcopal robes, or lay clothing)
- A palm branch, if Sts. Joachim and Anne is a martyr
A lesser-known fact about Sts. Joachim and Anne: St. Anne is one of the most popular saints in the Catholic world, with major shrines in Quebec, France, and Jerusalem.
When praying before an image of Sts. Joachim and Anne, allow the symbols to draw your attention to the virtues they represent. Sacred art is not decoration but theology made visible — a window through which the heavenly reality shines into our earthly prayer.