Who was Jesus's maternal grandmother?

While the New Testament Gospels focus primarily on Jesus, his mother Mary, and his immediate family, many have wondered about the generations that came before—especially about the identity of Jesus’s maternal grandmother. Who was the woman who raised Mary and contributed, perhaps, to the spiritual and cultural context that shaped the mother of Christ?

The Silence of the Canonical Gospels

The four canonical Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—are largely silent about the ancestors of Mary, the mother of Jesus, apart from brief genealogical references. While Matthew and Luke present genealogies for Jesus, they trace his lineage through Joseph, his legal (but not biological) father, in keeping with Jewish tradition. Mary’s own ancestry, and especially the identity of her mother, is left unmentioned in these texts. This omission has led later generations of Christians to seek answers in other historical and religious sources.

The Protoevangelium of James: Introducing Anne

The most significant source that names Mary’s parents is not found in the Bible, but in a second-century Christian text known as the Protoevangelium of James (also called the Infancy Gospel of James). This apocryphal gospel, while not considered canonical in most Christian traditions, was highly influential in shaping the stories and traditions surrounding the early life of Mary.

According to the Protoevangelium of James, Mary’s parents were named Joachim and Anne (sometimes spelled Anna or Hannah). The text describes them as a devout and elderly couple who, after many years of childlessness, are blessed by God with the birth of Mary. Their story, reminiscent of the biblical accounts of Sarah and Hannah, emphasizes faith, patience, and divine intervention.

The Story of Anne and Joachim

The Protoevangelium tells us that Anne and Joachim were both descendants of David’s royal line, living pious and charitable lives in Jerusalem. Joachim’s offerings at the temple are rejected because of the couple’s childlessness, a condition often viewed in ancient times as a sign of divine displeasure.

Distraught, Joachim retreats to the desert to pray and fast, while Anne laments her fate at home. Both are visited by an angel bearing the message that God has heard their prayers. Reunited, Anne and Joachim rejoice, and Anne promises to dedicate their child to the service of God. Mary is born and, at the age of three, is presented at the temple, fulfilling Anne’s vow.

This narrative would become foundational for many later Christian traditions, particularly in the East and West, where Anne is honored as a saint and the patroness of mothers and grandmothers.

Anne in Christian Tradition

Although Anne is not mentioned in the canonical gospels, her story found widespread acceptance in Christian tradition. By the sixth century, churches were being dedicated in her name in the Eastern Roman Empire, and her cult spread to the West in the medieval period.

St. Anne’s feast day is celebrated on July 26th in the Western Church and on July 25th in the Eastern Orthodox Church. She is often depicted in Christian art as a matronly, gentle figure, sometimes teaching the young Mary or holding her on her lap. In many cultures, St. Anne became a powerful symbol of the importance of motherhood, family, and the transmission of faith through generations.

Islamic Perspective: The Mother of Mary

Interestingly, the Qur’an—the holy scripture of Islam—also refers to Mary’s parents, though it does not name them. In Islamic tradition, Mary’s mother is known as Hannah (a variation of Anne), and her father is Imran (Joachim). The Qur’an describes Hannah as a pious woman who, after years of yearning for a child, vows to dedicate her offspring to God’s service. When Mary is born, Hannah keeps her promise, and Mary grows up in the temple under the care of the prophet Zachariah.

The similarities between the Christian apocryphal account and the Islamic narrative are striking, though with differences in details and emphasis. Both traditions highlight the role of Mary’s mother in shaping her daughter’s faith and destiny.

Theological and Symbolic Importance

The identity and story of Jesus’s maternal grandmother carry deep theological and symbolic meaning for many Christians. Anne is venerated not only as the mother of Mary but also as a model of faith, patience, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Her story resonates with those who struggle with infertility, disappointment, or despair, offering hope that God’s grace can bring new life and unexpected blessings.

Moreover, Anne’s role in salvation history underscores the importance of family, heritage, and the generational transmission of faith. By honoring Anne, Christians are reminded of the countless “hidden” figures—especially women—whose faithfulness and love made possible the great events of scripture.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

The veneration of Anne has left a significant cultural legacy, particularly in Catholic and Orthodox countries. Churches, schools, and hospitals bear her name. She is invoked as a patron saint of grandmothers, mothers, and women in labor. Festivals and processions in her honor continue in places like Quebec, Brittany, and Latin America.

Art and literature have also been shaped by Anne’s story. From Renaissance paintings depicting Anne, Mary, and Jesus together to folk songs and prayers, her influence can be seen across the Christian world.