Saint Joachim
Feast day: July 26
Saint Joachim, Mary’s father and Jesus’ grandfather, a man of patient prayer (26/07)
Who is he?
Saint Joachim is the father of the Virgin Mary and the grandfather of Jesus. The Church celebrates him together with his wife, Saint Anne, as the couple who brought into the world and raised the Mother of the Savior.
Life story
The Gospels do not mention the names of Mary’s parents. The names Joachim and Anne are found in a very old book, written around the second century, called the Protoevangelium of James. The book only carries Saint James’ name; he did not write it, and it is not part of the Bible. But since ancient times the Church has kept these names and celebrated them both.
According to that tradition, Saint Joachim was a holy man who often went up to the Temple to bring offerings to God. He and his wife lived together for many years without children. In those days, having no children was seen as a great sorrow, even a shame, so they were very hurt. Yet they kept on praying and trusting God.
God answered their prayer and gave them a daughter, Mary. The Church believes that from the very moment she was conceived, God kept Mary free from every stain of original sin. Later, God chose this daughter to be the Mother of Jesus.
According to tradition, he was descended from King David. Pictures and statues often show him as a gentle old man carrying a basket with a pair of doves to offer at the Temple, or walking beside Saint Anne and the little Mary.
Why is he a saint?
The Bible does not tell us anything Saint Joachim did. The Church honors him because he was faithful to God, prayed patiently, and together with Saint Anne welcomed, loved and taught Mary in a holy family. Through this small family, God prepared for his Son to come to us.
A lesson for you
- When you ask God for something and you don’t see an answer yet, don’t give up: be patient and trust God like Saint Joachim.
- Love, respect and take care of your grandparents, and pray for them every day.
- Help make your family a place where everyone prays together and loves one another.
Identifying marks
- A basket with a pair of doves: according to tradition, he brought offerings to the Temple for God.
- An old man with white hair and beard, leaning on a staff: he is Jesus’ gentle grandfather.
- The steps of the Temple in Jerusalem: according to tradition, he often went up to the Temple to worship God.
- Standing beside Saint Anne and the little Mary (*): the three members of the family that welcomed the Mother of God.
(*) Only in some pictures and statues.
The text on this page is the saint card in the Catholic Information app, word for word.
Collect this card and read more about the saints in the app