The Fourth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will be celebrated for the fourth time in 2024 on 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).
This year Pope Francis wants to us to focus our attention on the sense of loneliness and isolation experienced by so many of the old. Instead, he asks that we may refocus our attention on reconising and celebrating the many charisms and gifts the elederly and grandparents bring us. You can read a summary of his letter here
Prayer: We would invite you to offer a prayer for the giftedness of the elderly and to give thanks for the ways in which grandparents enrich our lives.
Intercessions: For the elderly isolated due to illness or fragility, that they may experience the tenderness of Christ through loving visitors.
For families caring for an elderly relative or friend, that they may see the face of Christ in each of them and be sustained and supported by good friends.
Visiting the elderly: Take a moment to reflect on the ways as a family, a parish family or school community respond to the needs of the elderly. Visiting those in care homes, for example, enriches the life and faith of all.
Pope Francis established the World Day for Grandparents in 2021 as an annual celebration to take place on the fourth Sunday of July, around the feast of St Joachim and St Anne, the grandparents of Jesus.
Below are resources and links for the celebration of the day.
