Carmelites celebrate the memory of Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of Mary, today. Very early in the history of the Order feast days for both Joachim and Anne were added to the Carmelite Liturgical Calendar.
Early Christian and Carmelite traditions saw in Anne one who helped form in Mary a heart open to God. Joachim is portrayed as a just man more interested in helping the poor than in amassing a fortune for himself.
The tradition presents Joachim and Anne as ideal parents of Mary, preparing her for the part she was to play in our salvation. They are honoured in the Carmelite tradition as protectors of the Order.
