Little is known about the Blessed Virgin Mary’s parents. Neither Joachim nor his wife, Anne, is mentioned in the Scriptures. They are, however, referenced in extra- Biblical sources like the Protoevangelium of James, a non- canonical text of unknown authorship that originated in the second century. This text is not considered inspired. None of its contents need be believed, but the writing contains much of the tradition surrounding the Virgin Mary’s mother.

Mother to the Virgin

It was in St. Anne’s womb that the immaculate conception occurred. As the mother of Mary, St. Anne is, unsurprisingly, presented as a devout woman in the Protoevangelium of James. According to this tradition, she could not conceive a child until the Lord looked upon her with mercy. Like other childless couples in the Judeo- Christian tradition, including John the Baptist’s parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth, Joachim and Anne were patient in prayer. After Joachim went into the wilderness to pray and fast, an angel appeared with the news that he and Anne would conceive. They waited for God to act, and he brought them a daughter.

After Mary’s Birth

After Mary’s birth, St. Anne recedes from the narrative presented  in  the  Protoevangelium.  The  focus  turns to Mary’s upbringing, which included service at the Temple. According to tradition, she assisted the priests and devoted herself to prayer, study, and weaving, which is why she is sometimes depicted with purple and scarlet thread, symbolizing royalty and divinity.

Given a short life expectancy, it can be presumed that St. Anne died while Mary was a girl. She would not have lived to see her daughter betrothed to Joseph or give birth to Jesus. But one medieval legend offers the story of an older St. Anne, who outlived St. Joachim and, later, gave birth to other children. Eastern Christians have the tradition that her tomb is in Jerusalem, near the Pool of Bethesda, close to where Mary performed her Temple service.

Devotion and Intercession

Though little is known about St. Anne, she is widely venerated in the Church. Her intercession is sought for difficulties in family life and infertility. She is the patron saint of mothers, grandmothers, pregnant women, and teachers. Major shrines dedicated to her include the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré in Quebec, Canada, attracting nearly a million pilgrims annually.

The Shrine of Sainte-Anne-d’Auray in Brittany, France, is also notable. Here, in 1623, St. Anne revealed herself as the mother of the Blessed Virgin to two men working in the fields. It is the only Church-approved apparition of St. Anne. Leading up to St. Anne’s feast day each year, the shrine is the place for the “grand pardon,” where the faithful seek out confession and conversion of life.

Silence and Significance

The lack of information on St. Anne’s life can be its own spiritual lesson. Like many figures in the Scriptures and Christian history, St. Anne shows that God can have great plans for those who are insignificant in the world’s eyes. Those who struggle with poverty, persecution, sickness, and infertility often play a significant role in God’s plan. They show a special closeness to God and an attentiveness to listen to His voice.

Despite a lack of sources for the details of her life, St. Anne remains an extraordinary maternal presence among the saints. As mother to Mary and grandmother of Jesus, she is the matriarch of the Holy Family, with her spiritual care and intercession extending to those who seek her aid. ✣

Father David Endres is professor of Church history and historical theology at Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology.

This article appeared in the October 2025 edition of The Catholic Telegraph Magazine. For your complimentary subscription, click here.