St. Joachim is the father of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus. Although he is not mentioned in the Bible, his story appears in the apocryphal Gospel of James.
St. Joachim and his wife, St. Anne, prayed fervently for many years that they would be blessed with a child in spite of their advancing age. According to tradition, an angel appeared to St. Joachim in a vision one day when he was away from home. The angel promised that the holy couples prayers would be answered. When St. Joachim returned home, his wife told him that an angel had also appeared to her to bestow the same good news.
St. Joachim is the patron saint of fathers, grandfathers, grandparents, linen traders, cabinet makers and married couples. He is often pictured in art as an older man with St. Anne and the Virgin Mary at his side. He also is often shown holding a scroll or book to represent linen makers or with doves to represent peace. His name in Hebrew means God prepares.
