The First World Day for Grandparents and The Elderly will be celebrated on Sunday, July 25th. The theme chosen by Pope Francis for this first commemoration is “I am with you always” (Mt 28:20). This text expresses the closeness of the Lord and the Church to every older person, especially in these challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic. The theme, “I am with you always” is also “a promise of closeness and hope that young and old can mutually share,” notes the press release.

Not only are grandchildren and youths invited to be present in the lives of older people, but older people and grandparents also have a mission of evangelization, proclamation and prayer, and of encouraging young people in their faith. Pope Francis’ concern for the elderly is one of his frequent themes in his speeches and travels. Not only does he advocate for the elderly and their concerns (for example, by decrying the growing push for euthanasia). But he also notes how important the elderly are for society today and the future of the social fabric.

Make plans to call, send a card or Facetime with your Grandparents. Perhaps, you can join them at Mass? And if they have already moved on to Eternal Life, say a little prayer for them and thank God for the blessing they have been.