Sts. Joachim and Anne
Jul 26
Patron Saint of Unmarried Women, Housewives, Women in Labor or who want to be Pregnant, Grandmothers, Mothers and Educators (St. Anne) and Fathers, Grandfathers, Grandparents, Married couples, Cabinet Makers, and Linen Traders (St. Joachim)
According to tradition, Our Lady’s parents were Joachim and Anne to whom, after years of childlessness, and much prayer, an angel appeared and announced they would bear a child.
Much like Hannah who dedicated her son Samuel to the service of God (1 Kings), Anne also dedicated Mary to God as a child. Hence, we find the abundant iconography representing the child Mary being presented in the Temple.