Saint Anne

Patron Saint of mothers, grandmothers, childless couples, women in labor, educators, families.

Feast Day: July 26th

Layperson

Jerusalem, Israel

Public Domain: St. Ann via Library of Congress.

Feast Day: July 26th

Layperson

Jerusalem, Israel

About

Saint Anne, revered as the Virgin Mary’s Mother and grandmother of Jesus Christ, holds a cherished place in Catholic devotion. Although not mentioned in the canonical Gospels, her story is preserved through tradition and apocryphal writings such as the Protoevangelium of James. Married to Saint Joachim, Anne endured many years of barrenness before God answered her prayers with the miraculous gift of a child: Mary, destined to become the Mother of God. As the Virgin Mary’s Mother, Saint Anne is remembered for her holiness, perseverance, and tender care. She stands as a model for all mothers and families, showing that faith and trust in God’s providence bear fruit even in times of trial.

Legacy

The legacy of Saint Anne continues to inspire devotion worldwide. Pilgrims flock to the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré in Quebec, Canada, and countless other shrines dedicated to the Virgin Mary’s Mother. She is often portrayed teaching the young Mary, reflecting her role in shaping the woman chosen to bear Christ. Through her intercession, Saint Anne is sought as a patroness of mothers, grandmothers, educators, and families seeking God’s blessing in childbearing and raising children in the faith.

“With all my heart I honor Saint Anne, Virgin Mary’s Mother, chosen to guide the one who would become the Mother of God.” — Traditional Devotion