Saint Joachim – Father of the Virgin Mary and Patron of Grandparents

ST. JOACHIM

Saint Joachim, the father of the Virgin Mary and grandfather of Jesus, is honored for his faith, righteousness, and role in salvation history. Though not mentioned in the Bible, his story lives on through ancient Christian writings.

Saint Joachim is venerated in Christianity as the father of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the grandfather of Jesus Christ. His story is not found in the canonical books of the Bible but is well known through apocryphal texts, especially the Protoevangelium of James, a 2nd-century document that details the life and background of Mary and her parents. According to these early writings, Joachim was a pious and wealthy man from the tribe of Judah, living in Nazareth. He was married to Saint Anne, and together they were considered righteous before God, though for many years they were childless.

In Jewish culture at the time, childlessness was often considered a sign of divine displeasure. According to the Protoevangelium of James, Joachim went to the temple to offer sacrifices but was turned away by the high priest due to his lack of offspring. Distraught, he withdrew into the wilderness for forty days to fast and pray, seeking the Lord’s mercy. Meanwhile, Anne also mourned their childlessness and prayed fervently. In a dramatic and hopeful moment reminiscent of other miraculous births in salvation history, an angel appeared to both Joachim and Anne, announcing that they would conceive a child who would be blessed by God. This child was the Virgin Mary, destined to become the mother of the Messiah.

Joachim’s deep faith, despite social and spiritual shame, is a powerful model for perseverance and righteousness. Although the details of his life remain sparse and largely traditional, his legacy lives on in the Church’s veneration of the Holy Family. The Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates Joachim and Anne on September 9, while the Roman Catholic Church honors them together on July 26. These feast days reflect the unity and sanctity of the couple who bore and raised Mary.

In Christian iconography, Joachim is often depicted as an elderly man standing beside Anne and Mary. Sometimes he appears at the scene of Mary’s Presentation in the Temple, symbolizing his role in her upbringing and dedication to God. While not formally canonized through a modern process, Joachim’s sanctity was recognized by the early Church, and his veneration grew steadily throughout the centuries.

He is considered a patron of fathers, grandparents, married couples, and those struggling with infertility. His example provides encouragement to those who feel abandoned or ashamed due to their circumstances, showing that God’s plan often unfolds in silence and with perfect timing. The devotion to Saint Joachim is rooted in family, faith, and the mystery of divine providence. Through his intercession, many faithful seek strength in family life and trust in the unseen workings of God.

Feast Day

26-7-

Birth Date

--Traditionally believed to be in the 1st century BC

Died Date

--Traditionally believed to be in the 1st century BC

Canonised Date

--N/A

Traditionally believed to be buried in Jerusalem

St. Joachim, Father of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pray for us to live with faith and devotion. Help us to follow God’s will with humility And to raise our families in love and holiness. Amen.
ST. JOACHIM

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ST. JOACHIM

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Credits & Acknowledgments

Anudina Visudhar (Malayalam) – Life of Saints for Everyday
by Msgr. Thomas Moothedan, M.A., D.D.
Saint Companions for Each Day
by A. J. M. Mausolfe & J. K. Mausolfe
US Catholic (Faith in Real Life) – Informational articles
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