Anne

Saint Anne is venerated as the mother of the Virgin Mary and the grandmother of Jesus Christ. Her story is not found in canonical Scriptures but is primarily recounted in apocryphal writings from the 2nd century, notably the Protoevangelium of James. According to these accounts, Anne and her husband Joachim were a pious and barren couple who fervently prayed for a child. In response to their prayers and great faith, an angel appeared to them, announcing that Anne would conceive a child who would be dedicated to the Lord. This child was Mary. Saint Anne is thus a symbol of perseverance in prayer and trust in divine providence, as well as the patroness of grandmothers, mothers, and pregnant women. Her cult is ancient and widespread, particularly in the East from the 6th century onwards, and in the West from the Middle Ages. Her feast day is celebrated on July 26th with her husband Saint Joachim.