Throughout the Orient

The Proto-gospel of James (also known as the Protoevangelium of James) was written around 150-200 A.D. and relates the touching story of Mary's own childhood and the nativity of Christ. This text spread throughout the Orient and therefore explains the diffusion of devotion to Saint Anne.

Then the Occident

Devotion to Saint Anne spread throughout the Occident, or Western World, thanks to various dealings with the Orient. During the Middle Ages, pilgrims, merchants, and Crusade soldiers travelling to Europe often spoke of and offered prayers to the parents of the Virgin Mary. Devotion was first seen in the south and then spread to the north of Europe. Countless works of art were created and are still found today throughout Europe due to the fervour of this devotion.

And finally in North America

Settlers, missionaries, and sailors coming from France brought devotion to Saint Anne to North America, where it was widely accepted, especially at Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, where over 350 years of devotion have already gone by. Saint Anne has become the patron saint of the province of Quebec and, as any good grandmother would do, has never stopped "spoiling" her little grandchildren.