Celebrate World Day For Grandparents and the Elderly with these free resources.
The Vatican has instituted its 6th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly – this year on Sunday, 26th July. We are all called to identify with the more senior members of our society, assure them that the whole Church is close to them and cares about them – that she loves them and does not want to leave them 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 World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, we created a 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 this in your church or school as you celebrate this special day on the fourth Sunday of July.
Papal Message, Prayer and this year’s theme: “I will never forget you” (Isaiah 49:15).
The World Day is celebrated every fourth Sunday of July and is presented as an opportunity to bring the closeness of the Church to the elderly and to enhance their contribution within families and communities. This year, the date coincides with the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, Sunday, 26 July, and the Holy Father invites everyone to celebrate the Day with a Eucharistic liturgy in the cathedral church of each individual diocese.
For more information about Saints Joachim and Anne – look here.
Taken from the Book of Isaiah, the chosen verse offers a clear message of consolation and hope for all grandparents and elderly people, especially those who live in loneliness or feel forgotten. It is also a reminder to families and church communities that we should not forget the elderly in our neighbourhoods and parishes. May we recognise in them a precious presence, wisdom of experience and a blessing to people of every age.
Official Prayer
Holy Father
Who watches over every person
Watch over me too when I am elderly.
You have revealed your name to me in Christ,
And You were not discouraged by my frailties.
You hold me tenderly in your hands,
And You caress my lines.
You will never forget me!
Grant that I may not fear my weakness;
Help me learn to love it
Just as You love it.
Help me learn to listen to it
Just as You listen to it.
Help me embrace it
Just as You have chosen it –
You who, though all-powerful, clothed yourself in humility.
May growing old strip away all our pride
and all division
So that we may live these years
united in You.
You will never forget us!
Amen.
The Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life encourages everyone to respond to the Pope’s invitation. Let us celebrate this special Day in every diocese, and to dedicate the celebrations of Sunday 26 July to the elderly, promoting visits and opportunities for encounters between the generations.
