Dear Mrs. Pauline,

Help!  I’ve been a Catholic all my life, but I never know how to pronounce Saint Joachim’s name. I’ve heard it all sorts of different ways.  Do you have  any advice?

Sincerely,

Confused Catholic

Dear Confused,

This is just one of those areas where there is room for legitimate disagreement. If you want to be closer to the original Hebrew language, you’ll pronounce it “yo-a-keem’” but many people, remembering that Jesus is also a Hebrew name beginning with a “J,”  prefer saying “joe-a-keem.”

Either way, the holy parents of the Blessed Virgin will be glad to pray for any parent who asks for their intercession!

~Therese Pauline