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Our parish in Pokhara bears the name of Saint Ann — a figure beloved throughout the Catholic world, yet whose life is known to us mostly through longstanding Christian tradition rather than the Bible itself. Here's what that tradition tells us, and why her name was chosen for our church.

Who Was Saint Ann?

According to early Christian tradition (recorded in texts outside the biblical canon, such as the second-century Protoevangelium of James), Saint Ann was the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and therefore the grandmother of Jesus Christ. While she is not named in the four Gospels, devotion to Saint Ann has been part of Christian life for many centuries, particularly in the Eastern Church, and later throughout the West.

Patron of Mothers and Grandmothers

Saint Ann is traditionally honoured as the patron saint of mothers, grandmothers, and expectant mothers — a fitting figure of devotion for families. Her feast day is celebrated on 26 July each year, often alongside her husband, Saint Joachim, who tradition holds was Mary's father.

Why St. Ann's, Pokhara?

When our church building was established here in the Pokhara valley, it was dedicated to Saint Ann — connecting our young parish to centuries of Catholic devotion, while also reflecting the deeply family-centred character of our community. Just as Saint Ann is remembered for nurturing the family into which Jesus was born, our parish strives to be a nurturing spiritual home for the families of Pokhara.

Celebrating Her Feast

Each year on 26 July, Catholics around the world — including our community here at St. Ann's — take time to honour Saint Ann's memory. If you'd like to learn more about our parish's patron saint or join us for worship, visit our About Us page or come see us in person.