Feast of Saints Ann & Joachim

Saints Joachim and Ann, known as the parents of Mary and grandparents of Jesus, are primarily documented in non-canonical writings and tradition.

They were a wealthy, devout couple living in Nazareth who struggled with childlessness. When Joachim was turned away from the temple for being childless, he retreated to the mountains in sorrow, while Ann prayed fervently for a child. An angel appeared to both, promising them a child who would be a blessing to the world. Ann gave birth to a girl named Mary, free of original sin.

Despite the lack of specific information in the New Testament about Mary's parents, their strong character and devotion are inferred from the atmosphere surrounding Mary in the Scriptures. Their story represents generations of faithful individuals who prepared for the coming of the Messiah.  

St. Ann is patron saint against fever, against poverty, against sterility and of broom makers, carpenters, cemeteries, childless people, dress makers, equestrians, expectant mothers, glove makers, grandmothers, grandparents, housewives, lace makers, laundry workers, linen merchants, lost articles, miners, mothers, the poor, pregnancy, seamstresses, stable workers, weavers, widows, the Archdiocese of Detroit, and the Archdiocese of Michigan.

St. Joachim is patron saint of; fathers, grandfathers, and grandparents.

Celebrate the memorial by:

• Learning more about their lives online here.
• Praying for victims of elder abuse.
• Spending time with your grandparents or grandparent figures in your life.
• Praying for grandparents using Pope Benedict XVI's Prayer for Grandparents.
• Volunteer at a nursing home.
• Attending Mass at St. Ann Church & Shrine in Metairie or St. Joachim Church in Marrero