Pope Francis established a World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly which took place for the first time on Sunday 25 July 2021.
In 2024, the celebration is this this Sunday, 28 July – the Sunday closest to the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, Grandparents of Jesus.
The theme chosen by Pope Francis for this year’s celebration is:
“Do not cast me off in my old age” (cf. Psalm 71:9).
As the Pope says, we should cherish the elderly and recognise that there’s no retirement age from the work of proclaiming the Gospel and handing down traditions to grandchildren.
Here you can read the full message from the Holy Father.
Also here are prayers and links from the Bishop’s Conference of England and Wales to help you celebrate the day.
If you are a grandparent and are able to attend Mass, you could invite your grandchildren to attend with you.
The Catholic Grandparents Association has been at the forefront in campaigning for a greater recognition of Grandparents for their role and vocation in passing on their faith to the next generation. They have also produced resources that you might wish to use.
Prayer for Grandparents’ Day
(Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales)
We pray for grandparents; keep them and make them courageous, wise and caring.
We pray for the elderly who feel isolated at this time, so that they know they are never alone, as you continue to be with them.
We pray for all who are ill, that they may experience your healing power and grace.We pray for those who have died, that they are taken into your loving care and into their eternal resting home.
Let us say the prayer that Jesus taught us and what we heard in our Gospel: Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Amen.