Tradition holds that Mary was born near the Temple in Jerusalem. In the fourth century, a church was built on this site—just a block from the Temple Mount, it was believed to cover the place where Joachim and Anne’s home stood (see it on a map here).

The church was destroyed by invading Persians in 614, but was rebuilt by Crusaders in the 12th century. Muslims pushed crusaders out, but they kept the church as an Islamic school, which means that this church remains as the best example of Crusader architecture in the region. In the 18th century, the church was given to France—French missionary priests currently staff the site.

Its architecture is stark and simple and strong (see the photo above), and has wonderful acoustics. The space calls forth song from pilgrims—visitors are encouraged to sing, and groups take turns offering hymns in all different languages throughout the day.

In this respect, the church is a fitting one to mark the place where Mary was born and raised. It is a humble yet noble space—there is very little ornamentation, but it makes the life within it beautiful. It receives life and song as a gift, then shares and amplifies it—much like Mary.

This is a statue of St. Anne with the child, Mary, that stands in this church. Next to the church are the pools of Bethesda, the scene of one of Jesus’ prominent healings. 

Join a group of pilgrims from Notre Dame singing the Alma Mater in the Church of St. Anne, the birthplace of Our Lady.

Read more about Sts. Joachim and Anne here.