United before men and before God: Saint Anne and Saint Joachim, Saints Elizabeth and Zacharias.

We continue the page dedicated to pairs of saints get married by telling you about the story of Saint Anne and Saint Joachim and Saints Elizabeth and Zacharias.

The story of Sant'Anna and San Gioacchino

Saint Anne and Saint Joachim they were a couple of married saints, who gave rise to the Virgin Mary. According to Christian tradition, Anna was sterile and had prayed to God for a son. One day, during prayer, an angel appeared to Anna and told her that she would have a son.

St. Joachim, her husband, had had the same vision, and together they decided to devote themselves to prayer and expectation of their future child. After nine months, Anna gave birth to the Virgin Mary.

The family of Sant'Anna and San Gioacchino then lived in harmony and peace, and their love and dedication to God inspired their daughter to become the Mother of Jesus, the son of God.

Saints Elizabeth and Zacharias

San Zaccaria was a priest of the temple in Jerusalem, while St. Elizabeth she was a very pious and good woman. The couple married at a young age and lived together all their lives, dedicating themselves to prayer and service to others.

One day, San Zaccaria was called to perform a special service in the sanctuary of the temple, where he met a angelo who announced the birth of a son. Initially incredulous, the priest assured him that he would try to do God's will.

St. Elizabeth, meanwhile, pregnant, had been kept hidden by society for fear of judgments. When the two spouses met, despite her old age, St. Elizabeth was able to conceive a child, John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus.

St. Elizabeth and St. Zacharias represent two figures of saints who are dedicated to service of faith, in married life and in their relationship with God.