Anne Gave Birth to the Sovereign

Joachim chose Anne for his wife, a fine woman, worthy of the highest praise. Indeed, just as the first Anne, in ancient times, plagued by infertility, obtained by prayer and a vow gave birth to Samuel, the latter in turn, similarly, and by supplications and promises, was awarded by God to bear the Mother of God. On this point, she yielded nothing to any other illustrious women. So grace (the meaning of the name Anne), gave birth to the sovereign (the meaning of the name Mary). Indeed, Mary was truly made the sovereign of all creatures, she who was the Mother of the Creator. She was born in the house of Joachim, near the Probatica gate, and was taken to the Temple. Then, "planted in the house of God," and nourished by the Spirit, like a fertile olive tree, she became the dwelling of all virtues. Her heart was detached from all desires of this life and the flesh. She kept both her soul and her body virgin, as befits the one who would conceive God in her womb.