Saint Anna

Saint Anna is the mother of Virgin Mary and the grandmother of Jesus. Her husband is Saint Joachim. Her name is a version of the Hebrew name Hanna.

According to tradition, Joachim went to a temple to pray but was not allowed in because he did not have a child. Anna heard, prayed, and sacrificed. She promised God that she would bring up a child up in God's name. An angel came to Anna and Joachim and told them that God would grant her a baby. Anna had the baby soon after, and named the girl Mary. Anna kept her promise. When Mary was about three years old, Joachim and Anna brought her up in the Second Temple.

Saint Anna was hanged because she hid a priest and held masses in her own house secretly and because of her beliefs. She died at the age of 79, while her husband died at age 80.

Saint Anna means grace.