Pope Francis has chosen a line from Psalm 71 – “Do not cast me off in my old age” – as the theme for the 2024 celebration of the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. Read his message on the Vatican website (multiple languages)
Established by Pope Francis in 2021, the World Day is commemorated on the fourth Sunday of July to coincide with the feasts of Sts. Joachim and Anne. The2024 World Day was celebrated on Sunday, July 28.
Transfer of the World Day celebration in the U.S. to Sept. 8
The U.S. bishops have approved the transfer of the celebration of World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in the U.S. to the first Sunday after Labor Day in September to coincide with National Grandparents (and the Elderly) Day in the United States as many local communities, schools, and parishes have celebrated for some time.
Read Pope Francis’ World Day message in full (English | Español) (Vatican website)
Prayer for the World Day
Read Bishop Walkowiak’s March 2021 FAITH GR column “Pope shines a light on family life” in
English (p.2) & Español (p.3)
Plenary Indulgence
Pope Francis grants a plenary indulgence for Catholics across the United States who celebrate the fourth World Day for Grandparents and Elderly on Sept. 8, 2024, under the usual conditions for such indulgences. See the apostolic decree here.
Additional resources:
USCCB website
Catholic Grandparents Association
Prayer for Grandparents composed by Pope Benedict XVI
Read more:
‘Loneliness’ at heart of Pope’s theme for fourth Grandparents Day (Vatican News)
