Pope Francis On Grandparents & Elderly: His Mercy & World Day - Learn More!
Can a single day truly make a difference in the lives of millions, especially those who have lived a lifetime? The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, an initiative championed by Pope Francis, is a resounding affirmation: Yes, it can.
The theme for the third World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, echoing the words of Luke 1:50, is "\u201chis mercy is from age to age.\u201d This focus invites reflection on the profound connection between generations, drawing parallels to the biblical account of Mary and Elizabeth's joyful encounter. This year, the Catholic Church prepares to celebrate the fourth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly on Sunday, July 28, 2024. The establishment of this day in 2021, spearheaded by Pope Francis, has become a significant event in the liturgical calendar, with each year's celebration falling on the Sunday closest to the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus (July 26).
This initiative, a testament to the Church's commitment, seeks to honor and support the elderly, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to family and society. The day is designed to reassure grandparents and the elderly that they are cherished and that their presence is essential within communities. Pope Francis' message has consistently underscored the need to combat the loneliness that often affects the elderly, urging families to remain close to their older members and spend quality time with them. As he highlighted aboard his flight to Canada, the day serves as a crucial opportunity to reflect on the importance of intergenerational relationships.
The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly is not just a day of remembrance; it's a call to action. It is a moment to recognize the wisdom, experience, and enduring strength of the elderly, emphasizing their vital role in passing down traditions, offering guidance, and fostering familial bonds. In this jubilee year, the day is intended to highlight how the presence of grandparents and the elderly can become a beacon of hope within every family and church community.
The Holy Father himself, in the Paul VI Audience Hall on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at a meeting organized by the Fondazione Et Grande (Old Age Foundation), addressed grandparents, the elderly, and grandchildren. The upcoming World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly presents an opportunity to foster deeper connections within families and communities, while promoting respect for the elderly. Pope Francis has repeatedly condemned the notion that the elderly are a burden, deeming such perspectives as a form of manipulation. This annual celebration aims to provide them with affirmation and encourage them to remain active participants in the life of the Church and the wider society.
The message for the fourth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, due to be celebrated on July 28, 2024, reiterates Pope Francis' commitment to ensuring that the elderly feel supported and cherished. He acknowledges the difficulties many elderly people currently face and reassures them, stating, "\u201cGod never abandons his children, never.\u201d The Pope has consistently emphasized the importance of not forgetting the elderly and of working alongside them to build a more compassionate world. As he stated in his homily, "Grandparents and the elderly...are the bread that nourishes our life."
The establishment of this day is rooted in the Pope's deep appreciation for his own grandparents. He often draws inspiration from his family in his guidance of the world's approximately 1.4 billion Catholics. The words of grandparents contain something special for young people. Pastoral guidelines from the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life have been provided to assist parishes and dioceses in marking this important day. The initiative builds on earlier efforts, exemplified by Pope Francis's 2021 catechesis dedicated to grandparents. It's also a continuation of his message for the third World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, which the church celebrated on Sunday, July 23, 2023, where the theme was "\u201chis mercy is from age to age\u201d (Lk 1:50).
During the first World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in 2021, Pope Francis celebrated a special papal mass. This annual observance provides an opportunity to emphasize the essential role of the elderly in society. The Church recognizes the need to address issues, such as loneliness, that can disproportionately affect this demographic, particularly in areas where children are forced to emigrate. The day also seeks to create opportunities for family members to spend time with older relatives.
Rino Fisichella read the homily prepared by Pope Francis. In his message, Pope Francis's message called upon families to foster connections. The Catholic Church will celebrate the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly on Sunday, July 28. The Holy Father recognizes and acknowledges the situation of many elderly people today and assures them: "God never abandons his children, never."
Here's a table summarizing the key aspects of the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To honor grandparents and the elderly, acknowledge their contributions, and combat loneliness. |
| Theme | "\u201chis mercy is from age to age\u201d (Lk 1:50) for the third world day and also in subsequent years. |
| Date of Observance | Sunday closest to the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne (July 26). The fourth World Day will be celebrated on July 28, 2024. |
| Origin | Established by Pope Francis in 2021. |
| Key Activities | Special Masses, messages from Pope Francis, focus on intergenerational connections, pastoral guidelines for dioceses. |
| Central Message | Grandparents and the elderly are essential and loved; God never abandons His children. |
| Emphasis | Combating loneliness, recognizing the wisdom and experience of the elderly, and fostering family bonds. |
Pope Francis celebrates World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
Pope Francis celebrates World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
Pope Francis proclaims World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
