4th World Day for Grandparents &amp; the Elderly

Fourth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
On Sunday, July 28, the Church celebrates the Fourth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. Established by Pope Francis in 2021, this observance is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of July, near the feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s parents and Jesus’ grandparents, Sts. Joachim and Anne. Pope Francis has chosen this year’s theme, "Do not cast me off in my old age Psalm 71:9"

Here are a couple of ways to celebrate this day:

A Book of Blessings & Remembrance will be in the narthex during July to inscribe the names of grandparents and elderly friends, and family members (living and deceased.)
Luncheon for Grandparents and Elderly Parishioners: In honor of our grandparents and elderly parishioners, Senior Ministry will host a luncheon in Johnson Hall after the noon Mass on Thursday, July 25.
On Sunday, July 28, be sure to take a packet of herb seeds from the basket in the narthex to plant in memory of them and how they have shared the spice of God’s love in our lives

The Psalm quoted for this year’s observation addresses the reality of so many elderly people, the loneliness, and the feeling of abandonment experienced by so many. God, reassures Pope Francis, never abandons His children. We are all called to reach out and care about the elderly in our midst.

Pope Francis writes that the Psalm cited in this year’s observance “speaks to a conspiracy surrounding the life of the elderly…their experience of abandonment “is not by chance or inevitable, but the fruit of decisions – political, economic, social and personal decisions – that fail to acknowledge the infinite dignity of each person.”

Read the story of Ruth and Naomi from the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament – where one daughter refuses to abandon the old mother: Pope Francis appeals to us to ‘show the open heart and the joyful face of men and women who have the courage to say ”I will not abandon you”.

Prayer for the Fourth World Day

for Grandparents and the Elderly

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 recognize 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.

More resources about this day:
USCCB: usccb.org/topics/marriage-and-family-life-ministries/grandparents-elderly