We celebrate Father’s and Mother’s Day annually in many countries, worldwide. Unfortunately, we never celebrate Grandpa’s and Grandma’s day though many grandparents still live with us and love us. July 26, Christians celebrate the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, parents of Mary, and grandparents of Jesus. It’s a day to be glad and grateful for our grandparents.
The four universally accepted gospels do not name the parents of Mary, Jesus’ mother. However, a so-called “Proto-Gospel of James” written sometime around 145 AD has many narratives of Jesus’ infancy, including stories of Mary’s parents named Joachim and Anne. The name “Anna” means “gift” while “Joachim” means “exalted by God”. This elderly couple was childless and prayed for a child. The birth of Mary, considered miraculous, caused great rejoicing.
Joachim and Anne are models of faith, fidelity, diligence to work and devotion to God. Fulfilling a vow made by Anne before the birth of Mary, they offer Mary up to God at the temple when she is three years old. Thereafter, Mary grows in holiness, unfaltering faith in God, sensitivity to her neighbours, fearlessness in times of crises and ability to seek God’s will throughout her lifetime.
The feast of Joachim and Anne has been celebrated in the Eastern Church since the 4th century; but, it came to be celebrated universally in the 16th century. Historical details notwithstanding, commemorating the feast of the grandparents of Jesus, let’s ask: Do we ever remember our grandparents — whether dead or alive?
We are all “chips of the old blocks”. Besides imbibing exemplary values from our parents, we also inherit invaluable traits from our grandparents. If, as most psychologists argue, we acquire a major chunk of our attitudes, behaviours and values already between the ages of one to five years, then, wouldn’t our grandparents have contributed immensely to “who” we are today?
While cautioning us about being marred by a throwaway culture that conveniently deposits aged grandparents into old age homes, Pope Francis calls them a “treasure”. He says, “How important grandparents are for family life, for passing on the human and religious heritage which is so essential for each and every society!”
Today, be glad and grateful for your grandparents. If they live with you, tell them you treasure them, and thank them for all that was. A warm embrace, a listening ear, an encouraging eye-to-eye exchange, a word of appreciation, the reminiscing of an unforgettable memory, a small ladoo (even if you’re worried about their diabetes!) could sweeten their day.
Like their names, Joachim and Anne felt “exalted by God” and generously “gifted” by God’s graces. May our grandparents feel exalted by us and experience each of us as God’s gift to them.
