World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
The First World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will be celebrated on 25 July with the theme, I am with you always (Mt 28:20).
Pope Francis said "I am with you always” (Mt 28:20) is the promise the Lord made to his disciples before he ascended into heaven.
"They are the words that he repeats to you today, dear grandfathers and grandmothers, dear elderly friends," he said in a message.
"The whole Church is close to you – to us – and cares about you, loves you and does not want to leave you alone!
"I am well aware that this message comes to you at a difficult time: the pandemic swept down on us like an unexpected and furious storm; it has been a time of trial for everyone, but especially for us elderly persons," he said.
Pope Francis said keeping memory alive is a true mission for every elderly person.
"I also think of my own grandparents, and those among you who had to emigrate and know how hard it is to leave everything behind, as so many people continue to do today, in hope of a future.
"These kinds of memory can help to build a more humane and welcoming world," he said.
A number of pastoral resources have been created to celebrate the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly: