World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

Sunday, 27 July 2025

Here you can read the full message from the Holy Father. You can also use our prayers and links to help you celebrate the day.

As the Pope says, we should cherish the elderly and recognise that there’s no retirement age from the work of proclaiming the Gospel and handing down traditions to grandchildren.

Podcast

Last year, our Lead Bishop for Marriage and Family Life, Bishop David Evans, spoke about the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.

Catholic News

The important role grandparents play in a healthy society

00:00 / 00:10:27

The Grandparents of Jesus

A video reflection on the lives of Saint Joachim and Saint Anne, the parents of Mary and, of course, grandparents of Jesus.

Ways to celebrate

Sunday Mass
Invite your grandchildren and family to attend with you, a wonderful way to start the day’s celebration.

Prayer
Take time to pray as a family and individually, giving thanks for our grandparents and elderly that we know of. Below you will find a section with prayer resources.

Family Dinner
Make time for a family dinner over the weekend where every member and generation of the family are invited.

Parish Picnic
After the Mass on the Sunday, bring the families and elderly parishioners together for a picnic in the parish garden or in the local park if there is one close by. Maybe the young people can help serve.

Visit the elderly
Visit one of your elderly relatives or someone in the parish who doesn’t have family nearby. You could encourage children to make cards for the elderly on your street.

Catholic Grandparents Association

To be a grandparent is a very special role in the Church. As you love your Grandchildren, love them enough to give them the gift of faith, by sharing your faith with them. For more information on the Catholic Grandparents Association of England & Wales, please visit their website here.