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St.
Anne was the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary and, therefore, the
grandmother of Jesus. Since
the gospels do not speak of St. Anne, we must rely on tradition, legend,
folksong, and vision to know the story of her life. Tradition
tells us that Anne was born at Bethlehem of the royal family of David.
Anne enjoyed a pleasant and quite ordinary childhood, living near
a temple where her father held a position in addition to his ownership
of great acreage and large flocks. It
was quite customary at this time in history that every young Jewish girl
was expected to enter into an early, suitably arranged marriage and to
bear children soon after. Anne
was blessed to marry Joachim, a man of great virtue who was as devoted
as she was to the glory of God. Their
life was rich and they were known for their good works. Anne
and Joachim felt one great void in their lives - their failure to have
any children after many years of marriage.
In fact, at this time, childlessness was widely considered to be
a punishment from God for some evil committed, and such couples were
subjected to public reproach and humiliation.
Anne and Joachim suffered much because of her failure to bear a
child. St.
James wrote the story of Joachim traveling to the temple to offer
sacrifice, but being turned away by the priest who said that he was
unworthy because he had no children.
In shame, Joachim ran off to pray. Anne
prayed also, begging God to give them a child and promising to
consecrate the child to His service.
Their prayers were answered in a way far greater than they could
have dreamed, for they were soon blessed with a daughter, Mary, who was
destined to be the holiest of all women, the mother of Jesus. Mary
was raised in a family atmosphere of love and devotion to God.
At an earl age she was presented in the service of the temple as
Anne had promised in her prayers. How
happy Anne must have been when she later learned that her daughter had
been selected to bear the Son of God. Many
artists throughout history have portrayed St. Anne with a book in her
hand teaching Mary. There
are also many representations of St. Anne, Mary, and Jesus together.
Catholics have always been devoted to St. Anne, celebrating her
feast day on July 26 and honoring her as an educator, a devoted wife, a
dedicated mother, and a privileged grandmother.
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