This Sunday, the 27th of July, the Church celebrates Grandparents and Older People in society. Let us remember our older relatives and friends, and reach out to them in a special way today.
The Sunday closest to the Feast of Ss Joachim and Anne has been designated World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. This year that Sunday falls on July 27. The National Pilgrimage of the Catholic Grandparents Association takes place that day in Knock with chief celebrant Archbishop Francis Duffy.
This is the fifth World Day, and the theme is ‘Blessed are those who have not lost hope’ (Sir 14:2). Grandparents and the Elderly are central components of the life of every parish. Pope Leo XIV reminds us “embracing the elderly helps us to understand that life is more than just the present moment”. He calls on every parish/diocese/movement to become a “protagonist in a ‘revolution’ of gratitude and care”.
I suggest that a candle be lit in the sanctuary of every church by a grandparent or an older person to recognise, acknowledge and celebrate the contribution of grandparents and the elderly to our parishes.
The following are attached (in one PDF): Sample Prayer of the Faithful courtesy of the Dicastery for Laity, Family & Life; The Prayer for the Fifth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, also courtesy of the Dicastery for Laity, Family & Life; ‘Grandparents Never Give Up – a Jubilee of Hope’ – offered by the Catholic Grandparents Association – helpful for homily hints; the poster for the pilgrimage to Knock; and the Message from Pope Leo XIV – also helpful for homily hints.
Many thanks for promoting and supporting this day,
+Denis Nulty, Chair of the Council for Marriage & the Family
Grandparents and the Elderly 2025
