This is St. Anne’s Church in Jerusalem near the Lion’s Gate.
Growing up, I didn’t once think about the fact that Jesus had grandparents, or even that Mary had parents. I mean, I knew she did but I never wondered about them.
Upon becoming Catholic, I was introduced to the Communion of Saints and how we are bonded to the Saints in Heaven in very real ways. I learned that Mary’s parents were St. Joachim and St. Anne. We get their names through tradition and from the Protoevangelium of James, a 2nd century document.
Now, whether or not you believe these are their names, the fact still remains that Mary had parents and Jesus had grandparents and it is good to honor them.
I love learning about my ancestors. It’s a hobby of mine to research those whose blood runs in my veins. I often wonder who they were and would I have their mannerisms? The decisions they made led to…well…my parents and then me and then my children. It’s mind-blowing to think about.
I, also, love learning about our ancestors in the Faith.
St. Joachim and St. Anne may not be well known to history, but we can trust that they were faithful, loving parents that gave their daughter, Mary, a solid foundation in the Jewish faith. Their trust in God to bless them with a child really did change the world. Through their daughter, Our Savior was born.
As parents, we may not go on to have our names in history books and it won’t take too many generations before our names are forgotten, but the good that we do in this life, does have a way of “living” on.
Even if the world does not know us, Catholic Pilgrims, and our names get forgotten in time, God never, ever forgets us. We are known and loved by Him always and forever.
St. Joachim and St. Anne, pray for us!
P.S. If you ever in this church and can sing. Do it. The acoustics are 
.
