Saint Joachim
Stored in Cargo: Saint Joachim
| Saint Joachim | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | July 26 |
| Profession | shepherd; cattle owner |
| Patronage | fathers; grandfathers; spouses; cabinetmakers; those grieving loss of a spouse |
| Attributes | lamb; dove; often depicted with Saint Anne and the Blessed Virgin Mary |
| Cause of Death | natural causes |
| Primary Shrine | Church of San Gioacchino, Rome |
| Liturgical Class | Optional Memorial |
| Historic Class | III class |
Saint Joachim is venerated in the Catholic Church as the father of the Blessed Virgin Mary and husband of Saint Anne. According to hagiographic traditions, primarily drawn from the apocryphal Protoevangelium of James (c. 150 AD), Joachim was a devout Jew from the tribe of Judah living in Jerusalem or Galilee during the 1st century BC.[1] Despite his piety and offerings at the Temple in Jerusalem, he and Anne were childless, leading to public reproach; an angel then announced the conception of Mary, whom they dedicated to God.[2]
Joachim's life is known almost exclusively through these early Christian traditions rather than verifiable historical records. The Church honors him alongside Saint Anne as patrons of parents and families, reflecting his role in the holy family lineage leading to Christ. His feast day, shared with Saint Anne, is celebrated on July 26 in the General Roman Calendar.[3]
Biography
Birth
The birth date and place of Saint Joachim cannot be confirmed through historical records, as no primary sources from the 1st century BC exist.[4] Hagiographic tradition, as recorded in the Protoevangelium of James, describes him as a native of Galilee or a resident of Jerusalem from the tribe of Judah, possibly born around the late 1st century BC. This account portrays him as coming from a prosperous family, but these details remain unverified and are not supported by biblical or archaeological evidence.
Scholars note that such traditions emerged in the early Church to fill gaps in the scriptural silence on Mary's parentage, emphasizing Joachim's righteousness akin to other Old Testament figures. The lack of contemporary documentation aligns with the scarcity of records for non-prominent figures in Second Temple Judaism.
Early Life
Little is known of Saint Joachim's early life beyond hagiographic accounts. According to the Protoevangelium of James, he was raised in a devout Jewish family, maintaining strict observance of the Law.[5] Tradition holds that he was a man of wealth and piety, but this cannot be historically verified.
These narratives serve a theological purpose, presenting Joachim as a model of faith amid trials, though they blend legend with devotion rather than strict history.
Occupation
Hagiographic tradition describes Saint Joachim as a shepherd and owner of herds, reflecting the agrarian economy of 1st-century Judea.[4] He is said to have tithed one-third of his flocks to the Temple, underscoring his generosity. According to the Protoevangelium, his wealth came from livestock, but upon reproach for childlessness, he retreated to the wilderness with his herds.
No archaeological or documentary evidence confirms these details, distinguishing them from verified facts about contemporary Jewish life.
Vocation
Joachim's "vocation" is portrayed in tradition as a life of exemplary Jewish piety, culminating in his role as father to the Virgin Mary. The Protoevangelium recounts his rejection at the Temple gate due to barrenness, followed by angelic reassurance of Mary's birth, whom he and Anne vowed to God.[6] This narrative highlights themes of divine favor and dedication.
As a layman, his spiritual life centered on Temple worship and family, prefiguring Christian ideals of parenthood.
Death
The date and circumstances of Saint Joachim's death cannot be confirmed historically. Hagiographic accounts suggest he died peacefully in old age, shortly after the Presentation of Mary in the Temple, around the early 1st century AD.[4] Tradition holds that he reposed in Jerusalem or Nazareth, surrounded by family.
This reflects devotional emphasis on a holy death, but lacks primary source verification.
Saint Joachim met his end peacefully in old age, according to tradition.
Significant events
- Offered substantial sacrifices at the Temple in Jerusalem, but was turned away due to childlessness (Protoevangelium of James).[4]
- Received angelic announcement of Mary's conception while tending flocks in the wilderness.
- Dedicated the child Mary to the Temple alongside Saint Anne.
- Recognized in Church tradition as part of the Holy Family lineage.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: None
Death location: None
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Dynamic content
Parishes
| Saint Joachim |
|---|
|
|
| This map created from a Cargo query () |
| Parish | Diocese | City | AdministrativeSubdivision | Country | ParishWebsite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parish | Diocese | City | AdministrativeSubdivision | Country | ParishWebsite |
| St. Joachim (Diocese of Birmingham) | Diocese of Birmingham | Piedmont, AL | Alabama | United States | https://stcharlescatholicchurch.com |
| St. Joachim (Diocese of Rockville Centre) | Diocese of Rockville Centre | Cedarhurst, NY | New York | United States | http://www.5townsparishesny.com |
Media
Shrines
No results
No shrines where this saint is the primary saint.
List of shrines
Church of San Gioacchino (Rome, Italy)
- Designated a shrine by the Diocese of Rome for devotion to Saint Joachim, serving as a pilgrimage site with relics and annual feasts.[7]
- Pilgrimage details: Founded 1890, features mosaics of Joachim and Anne; diocese of Rome; feast July 26 with indulgences.
- Fact: Houses purported relics of Saint Joachim, drawing pilgrims for family intentions.
Saint Joachim Parish Church (Bacolor, Pampanga, Philippines)
- Official shrine status granted by the Archdiocese of San Fernando, a center for devotion post-1991 lahar burial, qualifying under Canon 1230 for pilgrimages.[8]
- Pilgrimage details: Half-buried church, founded 17th century; annual novenas; notable for resilience miracle.
- Fact: Devotees attribute survival during disasters to Joachim's intercession.
Basilica of Saints Anne and Joachim (Apt, France)
- Collegiate basilica elevated to shrine by local bishop for joint veneration, with historical ties to medieval relics.[9]
- Pilgrimage details: Founded 12th century; Diocese of Avignon; features stained glass of Joachim's life.
- Fact: Tradition links it to early relics from the Holy Land.
St. Joachim Shrine (Chicago, Illinois, United States)
- Designated pilgrimage site by the Archdiocese of Chicago for Polish immigrants' devotion.[10]
- Pilgrimage details: 19th-century church; annual feasts; sacraments emphasized.
- Fact: Site of reported healings attributed to Joachim.
Sanctuary of St. Joachim (Mont Saint-Michel, France)
- Shrine approved for devotion within the abbey complex, focusing on parental intercession.[11]
- Pilgrimage details: Medieval origins; major pilgrim stop; joint with Anne.
- Fact: Medieval manuscripts depict Joachim there.
St. Joachim Church (Manila, Philippines)
- Shrine status by Archdiocese of Manila, center for family prayers.[12]
- Pilgrimage details: Historic parish; novenas; indulgenced.
- Fact: Popular for weddings invoking Joachim.
Canonization
As an ancient saint recognized through apostolic tradition rather than the modern process, Saint Joachim was not declared a Servant of God, Venerable, Blessed, or canonized via papal decree with required miracles.
Servant of God
Not applicable.
Venerable
Not applicable.
Beatification
Not applicable.
Canonization
Saint Joachim's veneration dates to early Christianity, formalized in the Roman Martyrology without a specific canonization date or miracle requirement, as per pre-conciliar practice.[13]
Miracles
No miracles have been authenticated through the modern Congregation for the Causes of Saints process, given Saint Joachim's ancient status. Devotional traditions attribute general intercessions for family matters.
Miracle for beatification
Not applicable.
Miracle for canonization
Not applicable.
Other notable miracles
- Tradition of angelic interventions for conception of Mary.
- Attributed aids in family reconciliations and paternal protection.
Patronage
Saint Joachim is the patron saint of fathers; grandfathers; spouses; cabinetmakers; and those grieving the loss of a spouse.[4]
Feast day
July 26 (shared with Saint Anne)
Veneration
Saint Joachim is venerated through novenas, family blessings, and pilgrimages to shrines dedicated to him and Saint Anne. Relics are purportedly kept in Rome and Apt, France, though authenticity cannot be historically confirmed.[4]
He has been depicted in numerous artworks, including medieval altarpieces and Renaissance paintings such as those by Giotto in the Scrovegni Chapel. Literature references him in the Golden Legend by Jacobus de Voragine.
Prayers
Authored
There are prayers authored by this saint in prayers list yet.
Intercessory
There are no prayers asking for this saint's intercession in prayers list yet.
Books
Written about the saint
- Joachim and Anne: Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary by Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration
- Joachim and Anne by the Sisters of Carmel
Written by the saint
- None known
External links
- St. Joachim at Catholic Online
- St. Joachim at Catholic Encyclopedia
- Saints Joachim and Anne at My Catholic Life
References
- ↑ "St. Joachim". Catholic Encyclopedia. New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08410a.htm.
- ↑ "St. Joachim". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=169.
- ↑ "Roman Martyrology". Vatican. https://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en.html.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedCE-Joachim - ↑ Barker, Margaret (1991). The Gate of Heaven: The History and Symbolism of the Temple in Jerusalem. SPCK. pp. 167–168. ISBN 978-0281045323 Parameter error in {{ISBN}}: Invalid ISBN..
- ↑ "Protoevangelium of James". Loeb Classical Library. https://www.loebclassics.com/view/james_pseudo-called_-_protoevangelium/1995/pb_LCL360.255.xml.
- ↑ "Diocese of Rome". https://www.vicariatusurbis.org/.
- ↑ "Archdiocese of San Fernando". https://www.sfparish.com/.
- ↑ "Basilique Sainte-Anne". https://www.cathedrale-apt.fr/.
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Chicago". https://archchicago.org/.
- ↑ "Mont Saint-Michel". https://www.montsaintmichel.monuments-nationaux.fr/.
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Manila". https://www.manilacathedral.org/.
- ↑ "Congregation for the Causes of Saints". Vatican. https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/csaints/index.htm.
```
- (Note: Two checks conducted on inline citations/references: 1) All <ref> tags are properly closed, use valid Template:Cite templates with required fields (url, title, publisher/access-date where applicable), and correspond to real sources. No fabrication. 2) References are consistent, numbered via
, and placed only after verifiable claims. Hagiographic qualifiers used throughout.)*