Here is part of the account of the meeting of Joachim and Anne, from the Proto-Evangelium of James: ‘And Anna looked up to the heavens and saw a nest of sparrows in the laurel tree. Immediately, Anna cried out mournfully, saying to herself, “Oh me, who gave birth to me?”  … Suddenly, an angel of the Lord stood in front of her, saying, “Anna, Anna, the Lord God has heard your prayer. You will conceive and give birth and your child will be spoken of everywhere people live.” And Anna said, “As the Lord God lives, whether I give birth to either a male or a female child, I will bring it as an offering to the Lord my God and it will be a servant to him all the days of its life.” Next, two angels came, saying to her, “Look your husband Joachim is coming with his flocks.” For an angel of the Lord had gone down to Joachim, saying, “Joachim, Joachim, the Lord God has heard your prayer. Go down from here. Look, your wife Anna has conceived in her womb.” Then, Joachim came with his flocks. Anna was standing at the gate. … When she saw Joachim coming with his flocks, Anna ran and wrapped herself around his neck, saying, “Now I know that the Lord God has blessed me greatly. See, the widow is no longer a widow and the childless woman has conceived in her womb.”’

These two saints gave their child, Mary, the best possible formation she could have had to become the mother of the Lord. They were also the best grandparents!

Today we ask their intercession for all grandparents, and for ourselves in our own journey, that we may be faithful stewards of all that God has given us. May God bless you this day.