Friday, July 26, 2013

Saints Joachim and Anne

"The Meeting of Joachim and Anne at the Golden Gate" by Fra Filippo Lippi
Picture source

Joachim is the name which tradition has given to the father of the Blessed Virgin.  According to that same tradition, the Blessed Virgin was born during the old age of her parents and in answer to their prayers.  Saint John Damascene says of these parents, "By your fruits are you known; you have given birth to a daughter who is greater than the angels and has become their queen."

Saint Anne... is believed to have given our Lady to the service of the Temple at the age of three.

Source:  The Prayer Book