Feast of St. Joachim and St. Anne - July 26

Education of the Virgin - Rubens

Today is the Feast of St. Joachim and St. Anne, the parents of the Virgin Mary. Although they aren't named within the gospels, early writings after the time of the Apostles referred to them by these names. Many of the stories written about them claim they were childless until St. Anne became pregnant late in life. In art, St. Anne is often depicted helping with Mary's education and, in many cases, is shown teaching her to read. They are the patron saints of grandparents as they were the maternal grandparents of Christ.