Sixth World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly

This Sunday marks the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, instituted by Pope Francis and observed in conjunction with the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and grandparents of Our Lord. This day invites us to appreciation for our grandparents still living as well as prayer for them and for all the elderly. We also remember and pray for the souls of our beloved grandparents who have passed from this life. The South African bishops’ conference have significantly stated: “In the Southern African context, grandparents and the elderly are frequently the foundational pillars of both our families and our parish communities. They are the custodians of our history, the anchors of our cultural traditions, and crucially, the primary agents who pass down the Catholic faith to younger generations.” At the same time, the Church acknowledges that old age comes with its own trials, as Pope Leo writes: “The Church understands the suffering of her elderly members; she knows full well that they are all too often viewed through the lens of stereotypes and considered a burden; she is aware that a profit-driven economy weakens family ties; she knows that many elderly people are left behind by children who are forced to migrate or, in some cases, to fight in wars.” The Holy Father continues: “For each of these reasons, [the Church] joyfully proclaims the Lord’s promise: “But I will never forget you!” (Message from His Holiness Leo XIV for the sixth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, 15th June 2026). May we ourselves never forget but always support by love and prayer the older generation and especially in our own family and community of faith.