The celebration of the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly on 26 July is an opportunity to rediscover that the Church is called to be a mother to all.  May this day be an  inspiration for everyone, especially the young, to revive the beautiful custom of visiting their grandparents, the elderly members of the family and even those who have no one to visit them. Bring them, through this message and your presence, the closeness and affection of the Pope. http://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/messages/grandparents/documents/20260615-messaggio-nonni-anziani.html

July 23. SEE.    Bruce, a member of the youth choir, commented, “When one looks around different parishes or parish groups there seem to be a lot more older people than younger ones actively involved in parish life. Even some of our priests are rather long in the tooth.  Do we really have the energy and enthusiasm to try the new things that young ones are so good at?  But it does seem to me that some of us are doing good things, but often we operate outside of the church? 

JUDGE. Reflect and share. Scripture. Jesus spoke in parables. “You shall have eyes but not see. This people’s heart has grown dull and their ears heavy of hearing. Matt 13:10-17.  Pope Francis: The pain, uncertainty and fear, and the realization of our own limitations, brought on by the Covid pandemic, made it all the more urgent that we rethink our styles of life, our relationships, the organization of our societies and above all, the meaning of our existence.  FT 33.  Pope Leo:  The celebration of the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly on 26 July is an opportunity to rediscover that the Church is called to be a mother to all.  May this   day  be an  inspiration for everyone, especially the young, to revive the beautiful custom of visiting their grandparents, the elderly members of the family and even those who have no one to visit them. Bring them, through this message and your presence, the closeness and affection of the Pope.  Message for World Day for Grandparents and Elderly 2026.    

ACT AND PRAY. Explore the possibilities of greater youth church involvement. Pray the Prayer of St Francis for grandparents and the elderly.  We pray for God’s blessing on the grandparents and elderly of our families and community,  bless them with peace and contentment and an acceptance that their lives were well spent in service. We ask St Joachim and St Anne, the grandparents of Jesus, to pray with us.