TODAY'S SAINT (Sts. Joachim and Ann)

JULY 26

Parents of Mary

Sts. Joachim and Ann, both of the tribe of Judah of the royal house of David, are venerated by the Church as the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary who was probably their only child. The other Mary mentioned in the Gospels and the Sister of the Mother of God was, it is believed, her cousin; for this was a customary way of designating relatives in the East.

St. Ann has been honored from early Christian times. Churches were dedicated to her honor, and the Fathers, especially of the Easteren Churches, loved to speak of her sanctity and privileges. She is often represented as teaching her little daughter to read the Scriptures.

St. Joachim has been honored from time immemorial in the Churches of the East, and since the 6th century public devotion to him has been observed in all countries. However, as in the case of St. Ann, the Gospel tells us nothing about his life.

Tradition, grounded on very old testimonies, informs us that Sts. Joachim and Ann in their old age came from Galilee to settle in Jerusalem, and there the Blessed Mother of God was born and reared; there also they died and were buried. A church was built during the 4th century, possibly by St. Helena, on the site of the home of Sts. Joachim andd Ann in Jerusalem.

Feast: July 26

(St. Ann) Patroness of Christian Mothers

PRAYER

Lord, Good of our Father, throuugh Sts. Joachim

and Ann You gave us the Mother of Your Incar-

nate Son. May their prayers help us a attain the

salvation You promised to Your people. Amen.

www.americancatholic.org/fatures/saintofday/default.asp