July 26 Saints Anne and Joachim Protectors of the Order Memorial

Various medieval Carmelite legends claimed that Saints Anne and Joachim took the infant Mary to visit the hermits who allegedly lived on Mount Carmel in imitation of the Prophet Elijah. Whilst such legends are without historical basis, they show the close relationship that the Order sought to nurture with the communion of saints. Such stories encouraged the Carmelites to see themselves as cooperating with God in the salvation of the world. 

Today Saints Anne and Joachim are still revered in a special way by members of the Carmelite Family around the world. Their feast day on 26^th July is ranked as a Memorial in the Roman Calendar, and the Carmelite Order additionally honors them as “Protectors of Our Order”. The feast day is traditionally a time to pray for families. In the Carmelite Family it is especially a time to pray for those (Lay) Carmelites who are grandparents. 

Antiphons and psalms from the day of the week. Reading, Gospel Canticle, and intercessions from Common of Holy Men

Prayer

Lord, God of our fathers and mothers, 
you bestowed on Saint Joachim and Saint Anne 
the singular grace that their daughter, Mary, 
should become the Mother of your Son, Jesus Christ.
Grant, at their intercession, 
the salvation you promised to your people. 
We make our prayer through Christ our Lord.
Amen. 

from Carmelite.org