(4th Sunday in July)
On January 31, 2021, Pope Francis decided to institute throughout the Church the celebration of World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. It will be held every year on the fourth Sunday in July near the liturgical memory of Saints Joachim and Anne, grandparents of Jesus. Pope Francis said, "It is important for grandparents to meet their grandchildren and for grandchildren to meet their grandparents."
IV World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
The IV World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will be celebrated on Sunday July 28, 2024. The theme chosen by the Holy Father - "Do not cast me off in my old age" (cf. Psalm 71:9) - is meant to call attention to the fact that, sadly, loneliness is the bitter lot in life of many elderly persons, so often the victims of thr throw-away culture.
To help parishes celebrate World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, please see 2024 Pastoral Kit and Resources by the Discastery for Laity, Family and Life as follows:
These resources are available in English, French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese
Additional pastoral resources are available as follows:
A video and text message for the third World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly - Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB)
Books:
For further resources please visit our Resources for Parishes.
If you require assistance, please contact Saulina (Sally) Amaral, Diocesan Coordinator, Ministries of Care and Ministry with Maturing Adults, at (416) 934-3400 ext. 518 or samaral@archtoronto.org.