Today, July 26, is the memorial of Saint Anne and Saint Joaquim.
Protectors of the Order of Carmelites.
Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Throughout its long history, the Carmelite Order has promoted devotion to Christ’s family as a means of drawing closer to him. Since the official title of the Order (“The Brothers and Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary”) places Carmelites in a close familial relationship with Our Lady, the Order looks to those saints who were close to Mary for the support and protection they offered to her. As Mary’s spouse, Saint Joseph is revered as Principal Protector of the Order. As Mary’s parents, Saints Anne and Joachim are revered as secondary Protectors of the Order.
Various medieval Carmelite legends claimed that Saints Anne and Joachim took the infant Mary to visit the hermits who were said to have lived on Mount Carmel in imitation of the Prophet Elijah. While such legends are without historical basis, they show the close relationship that the Order sought to nurture with the communion of saints. Such stories encouraged the Carmelites to see themselves as cooperating with God in the salvation and sanctification of the world.
Today Saints Anne and Joachim are still revered in a special way by members of the Carmelite Family around the world. The feast day is traditionally a time to pray for families. In the Carmelite Family, it is especially a time to pray for those (Lay) Carmelites who are grandparents.