Pope Francis has proclaimed the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will be celebrated on the fourth Sunday in July each year, near the feast of Sts Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus.  Pope Francis has published his message for this special day, encouraging the elderly to live this stage of life, "which seems to take us by suprise", to the full, and to make a contribution to what he calls, the revolution of tenderness.

Parishes, schools, aged care facilities and other ministries are encouraged to find creative ways to celebrate the contribution of older people to their families and communities.

pdf Read Pope Francis' Message  (205 KB)

pdf Download the Prayer  (145 KB)