In 2021, Pope Francis established the celebration of the World Day for Grandparents and Elderly on the fourth Sunday of July, near the liturgical memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus (July 26).
In 2021, Pope Francis established the celebration of the World Day for Grandparents and Elderly on the fourth Sunday of July, near the liturgical memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus (July 26).
The theme chosen by Pope Leo XIV for the 6th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly – “I will never forget you” (Is 49:15) – reminds us that God’s unwavering love is the ultimate answer to the isolation and neglect so often experienced by the elderly. It brings comfort and hope, assuring us that the Lord knows each of us personally, forgets no one, and loves us unconditionally, even through the frailties of old age.
Since its creation in 2021, the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly has grown into a cherished tradition that teaches our communities to truly value the elderly, not through occasional gestures, but as a permanent, central part of our lives. This celebration helps us appreciate older generations as vital keepers of our history, witnesses to our faith, and teachers for our lives.
Holy Father
Who watches over every person
Watch over me too when I am elderly.
You have revealed your name to me in Christ,
And You were not discouraged by my frailties.
You hold me tenderly in your hands,
And You caress my lines.
You will never forget me! (see Is 49:15).
Grant that I may not fear my weakness;
Help me learn to love it
Just as You love it.
Help me learn to listen to it
Just as You listen to it.
Help me embrace it
Just as You have chosen it –
You who, though all-powerful, clothed yourself in humility.
May growing old strip away all our pride
and all division
So that we may live these years
united in You.
You will never forget us! (see Is 49:15)
Amen.
