Saint Anne is traditionally believed to have lived from before approximately 49 BC until after approximately 4 AD.
Estimated Lifespan of Saint Anne
While exact historical records for Saint Anne are not available, traditional accounts and religious texts provide an estimated timeline for her life. She is widely venerated as the mother of the Virgin Mary, making her the maternal grandmother of Jesus Christ. Her life is understood to span a period crucial to early Christian history, placing her around the turn of the common era.
Below is a summary of her estimated lifespan based on traditional accounts:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | Before c. 49 BC |
| Birthplace | Bethlehem, Hasmonean Judea |
| Died | After c. 4 AD |
These dates indicate that Saint Anne's life likely overlapped with the later years of the Hasmonean dynasty in Judea and continued into the early years of the Roman province of Judea, encompassing the birth of her grandson, Jesus.
Veneration and Recognition
Saint Anne holds significant importance across various religious traditions, despite the absence of extensive historical documentation outside of apocryphal gospels and traditions. Her veneration reflects her pivotal role in salvation history as the mother of Mary.
- Widespread Veneration: Saint Anne is venerated in numerous churches and religious communities, including:
- Orthodox Church
- Eastern Catholic Churches
- Roman Catholic Church
- Oriental Orthodox Church
- Anglican Communion
- Lutheranism
- Islam (where she is known as Hannah, mother of Maryam)
- Afro-American religion
- Canonization: Her canonization is considered "Pre-Congregation," meaning she was recognized as a saint before the formal canonization processes established by the Catholic Church in later centuries. This signifies her ancient and deeply rooted status within Christian tradition.
Her enduring legacy highlights her revered status as a figure of faith and motherhood, celebrated for her piety and her unique position in the lineage of Christ.
