JOACHIM, SAINT

Joachim is the father of theVirgin Mary. While in Jerusalem, where he and his wifeAnnewent to sacrifice to God, Joachim was expelled from the temple by the high priest for not having been blessed with children. Shamed, he went into the mountains and there he prayed, asking for his barrenness to be lifted. In a dream, an angel informed him that God had heard his prayers and that his wife was now with child. This was deemed a miracle as Joachim and Anne were of advanced age. Joachim returned to Jerusalem to meet his wife at the city gates, as commanded by the angel. The story, which stems from theApocrypha, was depicted in various scenes byGiottoin theArena Chapel, Padua(1305), andTaddeo Gaddiin theBaroncelli Chapel(1332-1338) atSanta Croce, Florence.