Back in 2013 we recorded a reflection on the lives of Saint Joachim and Saint Anne, the parents of Mary and, of course, grandparents of Jesus.
We did this in the beautiful city of Florence in Italy. In the Franciscan church of Santa Croce, tucked away in a little side chapel, is the Baroncelli family memorial. The frescoes were painted by Taddeo Gaddi between 1328 and 1333. They depict the life of St. Joachim and Saint Ann as well as scenes of the life of the Virgin and scenes from the life of Christ.
The narrative is taken from the golden legend written towards the end of the 13th century, a legend which fleshes out the story of Joachim and Anne - the grandparents of Jesus.
Commentary comes from Clifton priest, Canon Christopher Whitehead.