On this episode of The Patrick Madrid Show, a caller named Elizabeth asked something super interesting and, let’s be honest, something many of us have never heard before: Did Mary’s parents, St. Anne and St. Joachim, have a miraculous pregnancy? 🍼

Elizabeth mentioned that in a class, the instructor claimed that St. Anne was barren or old, and that St. Joachim was living in a cave like a hermit because they couldn’t have kids; until, boom, they miraculously had Mary. Say what?!

Patrick’s response? Super helpful and to the point (as always):

The Bible doesn’t mention Anne or Joachim:  yep, they’re not named in Scripture. All info we have comes from other sources like the Protoevangelium of James, an old, non-biblical text. This text tells stories about Mary’s parents, but it’s not officially part of what the Church teaches as truth. 📜

No miraculous conception for Mary’s birth: While Mary was immaculately conceived (meaning she was free from original sin from the get-go), the Church doesn’t teach that her birth was miraculous in the way Jesus’ was. St. Anne had a normal, natural pregnancy. So, all that talk of a “miraculous pregnancy” for St. Anne is more speculation than Church teaching.

Bottom line? It’s a great story from old traditions, but the Church hasn’t signed off on it. So, while we can ponder and enjoy these extra-biblical tales, they’re not something you have to believe. 👍

Patrick’s advice? You can safely ignore it if it’s being taught as fact!

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