“Age is a gift, a beautiful gift to be cherished. A gift that offers us memories, reminders of how fortunate we’ve been through the years and of all the people who have blessed the journey we’ve taken. As seniors, we’ve lived and learned, we’ve laughed and cried, we’ve loved and been loved in return. And there is still more to come! “
(Bishop O’Connell’s message)
In the Jubilee year, the Day, established by Pope Francis in 2021, is intended to be an opportunity to reflect on how the presence of grandparents and the elderly can become a sign of hope in every family and church community.
The Catholic Church will observe the fifth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly on July 27th, the fourth Sunday of July and near the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, Jesus’ grandparents.
The theme for this year’s celebration is “Blessed are those who have not lost hope.” (cf.Sir 14:2)
This day is an opportunity to reflect on the role of grandparents and the elderly in families and communities and to promote intergenerational connection.
This day is dedicated to honouring grandparents and the elderly, recognizing their contributions to families and society, their role in passing on faith and traditions, and encouraging younger generations to connect with and learn from them.
The day is all about showing love for our grandparents, giving them a chance to show their love for us, and helping kids to understand the wisdom, information, strength, guidance and support that older people can provide. It’s a special day to appreciate the important role grandparents play in our lives.
They give the entire family their undivided attention and concern. It is a blessing to have your grandparents with you. Our grandparents have shaped the lives of our parents and we would not have learned as much about life without them.
Wisdom belongs to the aged, and understanding to the old,” says Job 12:12, reminding us of the value of speaking with older adults. The spiritual connection bathes both grandparent and grandchild in a sea of love, health and vitality.
Let us then mark this important day and celebrate it with our grandparents by attending mass together, visiting them or calling them and appreciating all that they have done for us, presenting them with a card or writing a letter acknowledging their loving presence in your life and even by organizing various activities to celebrate them.
– Sherida D’Souza