Celebrate World Day For Grandparents and the Elderly with these free resources.
Pope Francis has instituted a World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly on Sunday, 23 July. Identifying with the more senior members of our society, he says “The whole Church is close to you – to us – and cares about you, loves you and does not want to leave you alone!”
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.
In preparation for the new World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, we’ve created a new poster taking a closer look at Anna and Simeon’s story in Scripture and the great example they set us of a prayerful life. Share it in your church or school as you celebrate this new special day on the fourth Sunday of July.
The Diocese of Westminster’s Education Service have prepared these great resources for primary and secondary schools that focus on the new World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. You can access these resources on their website here.
Here you can read the full message from the Holy Father as well as a filmed reflection from President of the Bishops’ Conference, Cardinal Vincent Nichols. You can also use these prayers and links to help you celebrate the day.
We've prepared this new resource to help you discover more about your extended family in the Bible and their life stories.
This article by Avril Baigent applies to mums and dads, step-parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles, godparents and honorary godparents, and anyone who spends time with children.
Find out what inspires Paola and Eamon McMorrow to read the Bible with their family and parish.
