Memorial of Saints Ann and Joachim, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary

July 26

– Compiled under the direction of Father Johann Roten, S.M.

This index of material included in the All About Mary website, brings together resources that pertain to this feast. Additional resources may also be available by using the provided search tools.

Mary's Life

Who are Mary's parents?
The story of Mary's birth and details about her aging parents, Joachim and Anne, come from apocryphal writings known as the Protoevangelium of James the Lesser that was written by an unknown author.|
See: Parents of Mary

Where was Mary born?
According to old traditions, Mary was born in Jerusalem. Joachim is said to have been the owner of a home in the vicinity of the temple, more precisely near the Sheep Gate and its pool called in Hebrew, "Bethesda."
See: Birthplace of Mary

Did Mary have any brothers or sisters?
As it stands, the sources dealing with the life of Ann, Joachim and Mary do not mention brothers and sisters of Our Lord's mother.
See: Siblings of Mary

Does the liturgy give us any hints about Mary's life?
See: Liturgy, Life of Mary in the

What do we know about Mary's life from apocryphal sources?
There are a number of ancient texts not in the canon of Sacred Scripture which claim to present details about the life of Mary. The Protoevangelium Jacobi (First Gospel of James) (ca. 150) ....
See: Apocryphal Writings on Life of Mary, Bibliography 

What are the aspects of Mary’s person and life, which are related by the various apocryphal writings?
Scripture is tight-lipped regarding details of Mary’s personality and life. It speaks only to the essentials of her religious vocation and role ....
See: Apocryphal Writings on Life of Mary

Video

Saints Anne and Joachim: Grandparents of Jesus, 30 min, 1998.
Contact Marian Library.

Image shown: Meeting of Joachim and Anne at the Golden Gate, Filippo Lippi (1406-1469)