Who was Saint Anne?

*We highlight these Saints to inspire our students and contribute to their growth in Catholic education by fostering understanding and appreciation for Catholic values and teachings. We encourage parents to share the stories of these Saints with their children to deepen their spirituality and motivate them to live their faith with conviction, following the examples of these admired role models.*

In some regions, particularly in Canada, Saint Anne is the patron saint of miners, as her name sounds similar to the French word for “mining.” ⛏️

While historical documentation about her life is limited, St. Anne holds a unique place in Catholic devotion by being the mother of the Virgin Mary and the grandmother of Jesus Christ. Saint Anne is special to our community because of St. Anne’s School, located in Garden City, NY.

“Blessed, thrice blessed art thou, O Saint Anne, who didst receive from God and bring forth the blessed child from whom proceeded Christ, the Flower of life!”
Saint John Damascene

St. Anne’s early life and family background are mostly based on religious tradition rather than historical records. According to tradition, she was born to parents named Stollanus and Emerentia and she is believed to have been from the tribe of Judah.

St. Anne is best known as the mother of the Virgin Mary. According to Christian tradition, Anne married Joachim, a devout and righteous man. However, they were unable to conceive a child, which was a source of great sorrow and shame in their society. They prayed fervently for a child, and their prayers were answered when Anne miraculously conceived a daughter, who they named Mary.

^ St. Anne is often depicted as a seated woman with a book upon her lap with Mary leaning against her, eager to learn. 📖

St. Anne’s significance in Christianity stems from her role as the grandmother of Jesus Christ. She is believed to have played an essential role in the early life of Mary, nurturing her with strong faith and devotion. Mary’s virtuous upbringing is often attributed to her.

Although St. Anne is not mentioned in the Bible, she is venerated in Catholicism. Her feast day is celebrated on July 26th in the Roman Catholic Church, and on July 25th in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

St. Anne’s influence extends beyond religious devotion. She is considered the patron saint of mothers, grandmothers, unmarried women, housewives, women in labor or who want to be pregnant, and educators. Her story is one of faith in God, devotion, and the importance of family. She holds a unique place in religious devotion as the mother of Our Lady and the grandmother of Our Lord. Her legacy endures through the devotion of the faithful and the veneration of her as an important figure in Christian history.

FAMILY ACTIVITY: St. Anne was the grandmother of Jesus. Grandparents play such a special role in the spiritual foundation of their grandchildren! Have your parents or in-laws meet you for Mass on Sunday and have them over for breakfast, or have them take your kids to a Daily Mass. Encourage your children to pray for their grandparents daily. If all of your kids’ grandparents have died, take them to the cemetery where they are buried and pray for them there.