Pope Leo XIV has chosen the biblical theme “I will never forget you” (Is 49:15) for the Sixth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, according to Vatican News.
The theme, announced by the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, is drawn from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah and emphasizes God’s unwavering love and remembrance of His people, particularly those in old age. Vatican News reports that the message is intended to offer consolation and hope to grandparents and elderly persons, especially those who feel isolated or forgotten.
The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly was established in 2021 by the late Pope Francis and is observed annually on the fourth Sunday of July. This year’s celebration will take place on July 26, coinciding with the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus, according to Vatican News.
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The Holy Father has invited Catholics to mark the occasion through the celebration of the Eucharist in the cathedral church of each diocese, highlighting the Church’s closeness to older members of the faithful. Vatican News notes that the theme also serves as a reminder to families and parish communities to recognize grandparents and the elderly as a blessing and an essential presence within the Church.
By choosing this verse from Isaiah, Pope Leo XIV underscores that God’s love does not fade with age and remains constant even amid the vulnerabilities of later life. Vatican News further reports that local Churches, associations, and ecclesial communities are encouraged to develop pastoral initiatives to celebrate the day, with additional resources to be provided by the Dicastery at a later time.
The Sixth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly continues the Church’s call to foster intergenerational solidarity and to affirm the dignity and value of every stage of life, reminding the faithful that God never forgets His children.
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