World Day for Grandparents
and the Elderly
28th July 2024
Pope Francis has in recent years designated the Sunday closest to the Feast of Ss. Joachim and Anne as ‘World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly’. The National Pilgrimage of the Catholic Grandparents Association takes place that day in Knock and indeed the theme of Reek Sunday is also this year being dedicated to World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly. This is the 4th World Day and the theme this year is ‘Do not cast me off in my old age’ (Ps.71:9)
You can read Pope Francis’ message for this year’s World Day here:
world-day-for-grandparents-and-the-elderly-2024-message-from-pope-francis
You can also read his address from his meeting grandparents, the elderly and grandchildren in April this year here:
pope-francis-audience-hall-reflection-the-caress-and-the-smile-27-april-2024
Here is a a reflection written by Betty Murphy (Carlow) one of the founder members of the Catholic Grandparents Association on what it means to be part of that association and indeed to be a grandparent:
betty-murphy-reflection-cga-july-2024
Prayer for the Fourth World Day
for Grandparents and the Elderly
28 July 2024
Lord, faithful God,
You who created us in Your image,
You who never leaves us alone
and who accompanies us through every season of life,
Do not abandon us, take care of us,
And grant us, once again,
The ability to discover ourselves
and recognise that we are Your children.
Renew our hearts with your Word
And do not allow anyone to be cast aside.
May your Spirit of love fill us with Your tenderness
And teach us to say:
“I will not abandon you!”
To those we meet on our journey.
With the help of your beloved Son,
may we not lose the taste for fraternity
And may we not conform to the sadness of loneliness.
Help us to look to the future with renewed hope,
And make the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
A day without loneliness, and a day abundant
with the first-fruits of Your peace.
Amen.