The second World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly falls on Sunday 24 July 2024. Pope Francis has given it the theme "In old age they will still bear fruit" (Psalm 92:15)
Also in Marriage and Family Life
Marriage > Family Life > Family Synod > 1980 Family Synod > Family Ministry >Sunday, 24 July 2022
Here you can read the full message from the Holy Father as well as a filmed reflection from President of the Bishops’ Conference, Cardinal Vincent Nichols. 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.
Pope Francis' message for the second World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly reassures the older generation that Old age is no time to give up and lower the sails, but a season of enduring fruitfulness: a new mission awaits us and bids us look to the future.
On this special day in which we celebrate grandparents and the elderly we pray for Mary, Mother of all the living, to keep grandparents constantly in her care.
Pope Francis has instituted a World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. Identifying with the more senior members of our society, he says “The whole Church is close to you – to us – and cares about you, loves you and does not want to leave you alone!”
