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On this day we commemorate the departure of the pious
and righteous Anna, the mother of Mary, the mother of God. This
holy woman was the daughter of Matthan, the son of Levi, the son
of Melki, who was a descendant of Aaron the Priest. Her mother's
name was Mariam and was from the tribe of Judah.
Matthan had three daughters. The first was called Mary after her mother, and she was the mother of Salome, the midwife. The second was Sofia, the mother of Elizabeth, the mother of St. John the Baptist. The third was St. Anna, the wife of the righteous Youakim, who was from the tribe of Judah. She was the mother of Mary the Mother of Jesus. Hence, the Mary, Salome, and Elizabeth were cousins.
Little is known about this Saint. Yet, having been chosen to be the mother of the mother of God in the flesh, is an indication of her virtues and righteousness, which distinguished her from other women by this great grace bestowed on her.
She was barren and she entreated God to take
away her shame, so God gave her a daughter that delighted her
eyes and the eyes of all mankind.