Sts. Joachim and Anne, July 26
The Gospels do not name Mary’s parents; their names come from a second-century text, the Protoevangelium of James. Anne is honored as the patron of grandmothers, Brittany and Quebec, where the shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré draws pilgrims. The day is a celebration of grandparents.
On the General Roman Calendar, July 26 is a memorial: Saints Joachim and Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Name days on July 26
In countries that keep name days, July 26 is the day for people named Anne, Ann, Anna, Annie, Hannah, Nancy, and Joachim. These names come from the same saint, as variants, nicknames or forms used in other languages.
| Name | Feast day |
|---|---|
| Anne | July 26 |
| Ann | July 26 |
| Anna | July 26 |
| Annie | July 26 |
| Hannah | July 26 |
| Nancy | July 26 |
| Joachim | July 26 |
July 26 on the calendar
July 26 is the 207th day of the year (the 208th in a leap year), with 158 days left until December 31. Here is the day of the week it falls on in the coming years:
| Year | Day |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday |
| 2027 | Monday |
| 2028 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | Thursday |
| 2030 | Friday |
Keeping July 26
July 26 falls in summer. As a memorial, the saint is named in the opening prayer of every Mass celebrated that day. Families who keep name days often mark the day with a card, a candle or a favorite meal, and parishes named after the saint may hold a festival. If you know someone named Anne, Ann, Anna, and Annie, it is a good day to send a note.
Saints of the week around July 26
| Date | Saint or feast |
|---|---|
| July 23 | St. Bridget of Sweden |
| July 24 | St. Sharbel Makhlouf |
| July 25 | St. James |
| July 27 | St. Pantaleon |
| July 28 | St. Samson of Dol |
| July 29 | Sts. Martha, Mary and Lazarus |
The day before, July 25, is the day of St. James. The day after, July 27, belongs to St. Pantaleon. Looking for a name? Try the name day calendar or go back to today’s saint.