Jesus was their grandson!

Saint Joachim and his wife Saint Ann were the parents of the Blessed Mother. Their identity comes to us from an ancient tradition going back to the second century. The Church honors that tradition and today it celebrates their feast day.

It is said that they were up in years and childless when, by a special intervention of God, St. Ann conceived Mary. The Church teaches us that our Blessed Mother was free from Original Sin when she was conceived. God chose this holy couple to bring forth the grace-filled mother of His only Son.

In the Church's Office of Readings today, taken from the Liturgy of the Hours, there is a sermon by St. John Damascene singing the praises of this wonderful couple:

"Joachim and Ann, how blessed and spotless a couple! You will be known by the fruit you have borne, as the Lord says: 'By their fruits you will know them.' The conduct of your life pleased God and was worthy of your daughter. For by the chaste and holy life you led together, you have fashioned a jewel of virginity... While leading a devout and holy life in your human nature, you gave birth to a daughter, nobler than the angels, whose queen she now is."

Today is a wonderful day to remember our parents and our grandparents, and pray to Sts. Joachim and Ann for them, whether they are living or deceased. Isn't it wonderful to consider that Jesus had grandparents!