World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly this year will be July 27, 2025.
The Pope challenges us: “Looking at the elderly in the spirit of this Jubilee, we are called to help them experience liberation, especially from loneliness and abandonment. This year is a fitting time to do so. God’s fidelity to his promises teaches us that there is a blessedness in old age, an authentic evangelical joy inspiring us to break through the barriers of indifference in which the elderly often find themselves enclosed. Our societies, everywhere in the world, are growing all too accustomed to letting this significant and enriching part of their life be marginalized and forgotten.” His entire message can be found here.
Purpose of the Day
This day is an opportunity, as Pope Francis says, to bring together the various age groups to honour our elderly: “What is important is the unity of the different ages of life, which is the real point of reference for understanding and valuing human life in its entirety” (Catechesis, 23 February 2022).
Theme
The Holy Father has chosen the theme of the Fifth World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, to be held this year on Sunday 27 July: “Blessed are those who have not lost hope” (cf. Sir 14:2). These words, taken from the Book of Sirach, express the blessedness of the elderly and indicate hope placed in the Lord as the way to a Christian and reconciled old age. In the Jubilee year, the Day, established by Pope Francis in 2021, is intended to be an opportunity to reflect on how the presence of grandparents and the elderly can become a sign of hope in every family and church community.
Pastoral Suggestions
Includes suggestions on the following:
- Invite grandparents and/or elderly neighbours to join you for Mass on July 27th and, if possible, include those in care homes
- Create a Grandparents' Book with family/friend pictures and/or poems
- Forget-me-not flowers are the official flowers for grandparents – gift some to grandparents or elderly neighbours
- Celebrate with grandparents and/or elderly relatives and neighbours. Consider a picnic lunch, barbeque, or a Sunday visit in honour of the day!
Pastoral Tool Kit
Contact
Teresa Hartnett
Director
905-528-7988 Ext. 2250
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Sarah Lintott
Office Administrator
905-528-7988 Ext. 2249
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