About this Event

“His mercy is from age to age.” Luke 1:50

The third World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, which will be celebrated on July 23, 2023, will have the theme, "His mercy is from age to age" (Lk 1: 50). This verse reminds us that God's mercy is manifested in history through the testimonies of those who have experienced it and passed it on to their children and grandchildren. Grandparents and the elderly are called to carry this mercy, to tell through words and life how God has been faithful to His promises and how He continues to love His people. They are also called to receive God's mercy and to allow themselves to be comforted by His fatherly love that never abandons them. The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly is an occasion to once again express with joy that the Church wants to celebrate together with those whom the Lord -- as the Bible says -- has given “a full life.”

How you can celebrate this day

• Celebrate Mass in your parish with your grandparents
• Pray the Prayer for the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
• Visit or contact your grandparents
• Visit an elderly person living alone
• Acknowledge the elderly in your parish who help keep the parish going

Resources:
Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for the World Day
Pastoral Suggestions for the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
Watch CCCB Video
Bouquets of Love: Offering the Lonely Blooms Instead of Tombs

Prayer for the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

Virgin Mary,
Mother of faith and hope,
an example for this humanity bent by indifference,
make me as willing as You
to accept the will of God,
to magnify and praise His Mercy.

Mary, Mother of fortitude,
you who knows my heart,
do not allow me to become discouraged.
I confidently surrender my life into your hands.
Heal my wounds.
May your tenderness accompany me on the way.

Your presence, Mother of love,
brings us to experience the joy
of seeing our families united.
Help me to transmit the tenderness and Love of God
to the grandchildren and youth
so that, in addition to praying for them,
we can pray with them.

Mary, may the gift of the Holy Spirit intercede for me:
sustain my weakness;
breathe into my heart the consolation
that I may leave traces of faith among the young,
bearing witness to the beauty of life,
knowing that life has a limit
and that beyond it lies before us our Father's embrace.

Amen.