Religious Education and Social Justice

Reflection: World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will be celebrated on Sunday 23 July 2023. 'His Mercy is from Age to Age' is the theme of this year's event, first established by Pope Francis.

The theme, taken from Luke 1:50, connects the day to the celebration of the World Youth Day in Lisbon which will be held from August 1-6, putting young and old 'in dialogue', as the Pope has always desired. 

Pope Francis has issued an invitation to all - dioceses, parishes, associations and communities - to celebrate World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, "putting at the centre the overflowing joy of a renewed encounter between young and old" by rejoicing and thanking grandparents for all they have done and still do for the Church and society. 

It is also an opportunity to initiate pastoral reflection about them, for them and with them. 

Source: Pope Francis: World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.

Prayer for Grandparents

Lord, please bless our grandparents.

Thank you for the life they gave our parents 

and for the life they give to us.

For the ways they help us and make us strong, we give thanks.

For the ways they love us no matter what, 

we rejoice.

For the ways they have paved the road that leads us here, we are grateful.

Let them grow in wisdom and joy in life.

Let them find peace and rest from their work.

Let them be healed of every sickness and pain.

And let them see, with their own eyes, 

the glory of your Son, Jesus, 

in the love of their children and grandchildren.

Bless them always 

until they come to rest in you.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Jane Wilkinson

Religious Education Leader