Anna was a prophetess from the tribe of Asher who lived in Palestine during the first century. Mentioned in the Gospel of Luke, she is described as an elderly woman and the daughter of Phanuel. After being widowed only seven years into her marriage, she spent much of her long life in the Jerusalem Temple, where she devoted herself to prayer and fasting. She is most recognized for her role during the presentation of the infant Jesus, when she offered thanks to God and spoke of the child to those seeking redemption.