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The
feast of Saints Anne and Joachim is celebrated on July 26. As the
parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, they were also the grandparents of
Jesus. Although there isn’t much historically verifiable information
about their story, what we gain from custom and tradition can provide
inspiration. Tradition holds that Anne and Joachim struggled with
infertility for much of their marriage and were barren for many years.
It is thought by some that they were treated poorly by their neighbors
and that their childlessness prevented them from fully participating in
the life of the community. As the story goes, despite long years of
grief, Anne and Joachim continued to place their trust in God. In depths
of such sorrow, Joachim went into the wilderness to fast and pray for a
child. During this time an angel appeared to both he and Anne,
promising that they would give birth to a child, despite their old age,
who would be known throughout the world.
Today,
many married couples also bear the cross of infertility. They often
feel deep grief at their inability to welcome a child into their family.
Yet each couple is called, like Anne and Joachim, to continue to place
their trust in God and His plan for their family. We pray for all
married couples who so deeply long to welcome a child into their home.
May God hear their prayers, console their hearts, and guide them on the
path of peace.
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