Pope Leo XIV has chosen as the motto for the VI World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly the biblical quote “I will never forget you” (Is 49:15), with which it is intended to emphasize that God’s love for each person does not diminish, not even in the fragility inherent to old age, as reported by the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life in a statement made public this Tuesday.
The verse, taken from the book of the prophet Isaiah, is presented as a message of consolation and hope addressed to all grandparents and elderly people, especially those who live in solitude or feel forgotten. At the same time, it constitutes a call to families and ecclesial communities not to relegate them, recognizing in them a valuable presence and an authentic blessing.
A day dedicated to the elderly in the life of the Church
The World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly was instituted by Pope Francis in 2021 and is celebrated every fourth Sunday of July, as an occasion to express in a concrete way the Church’s closeness to older people and to value their contribution to family and community life.
This year, the Day will take place on Sunday, July 26, a date that coincides with the liturgical feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, grandparents of Jesus. For this reason, the Holy Father invites that the celebration include a Eucharist in the cathedral of each diocese, as a sign of communion and ecclesial participation.
Invitation to the Particular Churches
In its statement, the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life encourages the particular Churches, associations, and ecclesial communities around the world to find the most appropriate ways to celebrate the Day in their respective local contexts. Likewise, it announced that it will make available specific pastoral materials to facilitate the preparation and development of this initiative.