The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly: 24th July

It falls on the Sunday nearest to the Feast of St Anne and Joachim. There are numerous resources to be found at the website below:

 

https://www.catholicgrandparentsassociation.org/

https://www.catholicgrandparentsassociation.org/worlddayforgrandparentsandtheelderly/

 

The Apostolic Penitentiary has also announced the granting of a Plenary Indulgence for various groups taking part in this World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly:

“A plenary indulgence, which may also be obtained in suffrage for the souls in Purgatory, is granted:

1. To grandparents, the elderly, and the faithful who, motivated by a true spirit of penance and charity, will participate on July 24th in the solemn celebration that Pope Francis will preside over in the Vatican, or in the various functions that take place throughout the world;

2.To the faithful who, on the same day, devote adequate time to visit, in person or virtually through the media, their disabled brothers and sisters in need or in difficulty (such as the sick, the abandoned, or the disabled

3.To the sick elderly and to all those who, unable to leave their homes for a serious reason, will unite spiritually with the sacred services of the World Day, offering to the Merciful God their prayers, the pains and sufferings of their lives, especially while the words of the Supreme Pontiff and the various celebrations are broadcast through the media”

 

Prayer for the Second World Day of Prayer for Grandparents and the Elderly

 

I give thanks to you, Lord, for the blessing of a long life for to those who take refuge in You, grant always to bear fruit. Forgive, O Lord, resignation and disillusionment, but forsake me not when my strength declines. Teach me to look with hope to the future you give me, to the mission you entrust to me and to sing your praises without end. Make me a tender craftsman of Your revolution, to guard with love my grandchildren and all the little ones who seek shelter in You. Protect, O Lord, Pope Francis and grant Thy Church To deliver the world from loneliness. Direct our steps in the way of peace. Amen.

There is also another one penned by Pope Benedict XVI https://www.catholicgrandparentsassociation.org/popes-prayer/