This July 25 will mark the first World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, a day of celebration organized by the Pope.
The date comes the day before the feast St. Joachim and St. Anne, who are considered the grandparents of Jesus.
The Vatican unveiled a slogan to mark the celebration: “I am with you always,” a quote from the Gospel of Matthew. With these words Pope Francis hopes to express the closeness of the Church to the elderly, particularly during the difficult times brought about by the pandemic.
“I am with you always” is a message to young people to always be present in the lives of the elderly, but also a reminder to older persons to pursue their role in the Church by guiding the young.
POPE FRANCIS
“They remind us that old age is a gift and that grandparents are the link between generations, passing on the experience of life and faith to the youth. Grandparents are often forgotten, and we forget the richness of preserving our roots and of passing them on.”
The Vatican hopes it will be a special day for all those involved. It's preparing materials for dioceses around the world for the occasion.
They will be published online on the official website of the Amoris Laetitia Family Year as the date approaches.
Daniel Díaz Vizzi
TR: Justin McLellan
