St. Anne

St. Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary and grandmother of Jesus Christ, is a figure whose life is primarily documented through apocryphal writings, such as the *Protevangelium of James* and the *Evangelium de nativitate Mariae*. Born in Bethlehem, she married Joachim, a devout couple who, despite their wealth, struggled with barrenness. Their prayers were answered when an angel announced that Anne would conceive a child, Mary, who would be dedicated to God's service. When Mary was three years old, Anne and Joachim took her to the Temple in Jerusalem, where she was raised. St. Anne's cult was prominent in the Eastern Church by the 4th century, and her devotion spread to Rome in the early 8th century. The Western Churches began celebrating her feast day in the 16th century, which is now observed on July 26. St. Anne is revered as a patron saint of mothers, women in labor, and grandparents. Her legacy is marked by numerous churches built in her honor, including one in Jerusalem around 550 AD. Despite the lack of New Testament references, St. Anne's influence has been significant, particularly in medieval Europe, where her devotion was promoted by theologians and post-Reformation popes. Her canonization date is not documented, but her veneration has endured across centuries, with notable shrines in Brittany and Quebec.