WORLD DAY FOR GRANDPARENTS AND THE ELDERLY
The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly is celebrated on the Sunday closest to the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, Grandparents of Jesus.
Of the ten years of his pontificate, the 2014 meeting with the elderly in St. Peter’s Square was “one of the most beautiful moments”, said Pope Francis recently. It was he, who wanted to establish a World Day dedicated to all grandparents, to draw attention to a category all too often placed on the margins, remembering instead their value and encouraging actions in their favor. It is a goal maintained throughout the various editions of the Day, which now returns with its third edition on July 23, featuring a Mass celebrated by the Pope in St. Peter’s Square.
The theme chosen by Pope Francis for this year’s celebration is:
“His mercy is from age to age” (Luke 1:50).
Let us take a quiet moment today to remember our Grandparents and Elderly, especially those who have returned to God.
Pope Francis established THE WORLD DAY OF GRANDPARENTS AND THE ELDERLY every 4th Sunday of July. Let us offer a prayer for their happiness and holiness.
PRAYER FOR ALL GRANDPARENTS.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Lord Jesus, we thank You for the gift of grandparents. We lift up to You their welfare and well-being. Please make them happy, healthy, and holy. May they never cease to guide their grandchildren towards godliness and good life.
May God continue to keep them always in His Love.
SPECIAL PRAYER
Gracious God, we ask you to bless your children who have grown old. When they can no longer care for themselves, send them loving caretakers who appreciate their wisdom and the richness of their experience.
Send your angels to keep them safe as long as they live and to lead them home to you when their work is done. Bless the families of the elderly with insight and good judgment.
Send your Holy Spirit to help them make wise decisions, and grant them the patience to care for those who once cared for them. We make this prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen
HAPPY ? WORLD/GLOBAL ? DAY OF GRANDPARENTS AND THE ELDERLY!