Mariology · 1 min read
Who were Joachim and Anne, and why were they chosen to become the parents of Mary?
Valtorta's vision aligns with apocryphal 2nd-century Gospel of James. A barren couple • A faithful vow • Chaste marriage •
In The Gospel as Revealed to Me, Joachim and Anne are presented in detail before Mary’s birth, not as minor background figures but as a deeply faithful couple whose sorrow, prayer and vow prepare the way for Mary. The chapters show Valtorta's account aligns with apocryphal 2nd-century Gospel of James - Anne’s longing for motherhood, Joachim’s hope, their vow to offer the child to God, and their lives of faith, charity, hope and chastity. This makes their role much more interesting than a simple family detail: the book presents Mary’s parents as part of the providential preparation for the Mother of God. The Maria Valtorta Studies chatbot can help you explore how Joachim and Anne’s virtues are connected with Mary’s immaculate soul and her later mission.
Suggested question
In Volume 1, Chapters 2 to 5, how does The Gospel as Revealed to Me portray Joachim and Anne, and why are their faith, chastity, sorrow and vow important for understanding Mary’s birth and mission?
Keywords: Marian Mystery, Joachim and Anna