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Today the church remembers Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
We have little historical information concerning the parents of Mary, although we have a wealth of legend and tradition. Anne has long been honored in the naming of countless churches, hospitals, guilds, and various charitable institutions. Her feast is universally celebrated and she is the patroness of Brittany. Joachim, husband of Anne and father of Mary, has received less attention. We know nothing about him, save his name, and even that is controversial. Perhaps this date is an appropriate time to reflect on the importance of parenthood. What kind of influence are we having on our children? Do our lives reflect the best in the care and training we received from our parents? All we really know about Anne and Joachim is an inference from the kind of daughter they reared. O Almighty God, who has called us to faith in you, and has surrounded us with so great a cloud of witnesses: Grant that we, encouraged by the good examples of your saints, and especially of your servants Anne and Joachim, may persevere in running the race that is set before us, until at length, through your mercy, we with them attain to your eternal joy; through him who is the author and finisher of our faith, your son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, heavenly Father, we remember in thanksgiving this day the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary; and we pray that we all may be made one in the heavenly family of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Today the church remembers Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary.