Religious Education and Social Justice

Celebrating Grandparents

Pope Francis has proclaimed the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will be celebrated on the fourth Sunday in July each year. This year the dedicated day was at the beginning of this week on Sunday 25th July. The day is marked near the Feast of Sts Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. 

The theme for this year is: I am with you always (Mt 28:20).

Pope Francis said "I am with you always”  is the promise the Lord made to his disciples before he ascended into heaven.

"They are the words that he repeats to you today, dear grandfathers and grandmothers, dear elderly friends," he said. 

"The whole Church is close to you – to us – and cares about you, loves you and does not want to leave you alone!

"I am well aware that this message comes to you at a difficult time: the pandemic swept down on us like an unexpected and furious storm; it has been a time of trial for everyone, but especially for us elderly persons," he said. 

Pope Francis said keeping memory alive is a true mission for every elderly person.

"I also think of my own grandparents, and those among you who had to emigrate and know how hard it is to leave everything behind, as so many people continue to do today, in hope of a future.

"These kinds of memory can help to build a more humane and welcoming world," he said. 

Prayer for Grandparents

Dear God,

Please bless our grandparents.

Thank you for the life they gave my parents and for the life they give to me.

For the ways they helped me be strong, 

I give thanks.

For the ways they love me no matter what, 

I rejoice.

For the ways they have paved the road that leads me here, 

I am 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.