On Sunday, July 28, 2024, Catholic faithful around the world will be invited to take time to reflect on the great heritage and wisdom passed on by their grandparents and the elderly.
In preparation for the 2024 World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly (4th edition), the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life released the theme that Pope has chosen: “Do not cast me off in my old age” (cf. Psalm 71:9).
It is meant “to call attention to the fact that, sadly, loneliness is the bitter lot in life of many elderly persons, so often the victims of the throw-away culture”, per a press release from the Dicastery.
According to the press release, “By cherishing the charisms of grandparents and the elderly, and the contribution they make to the life of the Church, the World Day seeks to support the efforts of every ecclesial community to forge bonds between the generations and to combat loneliness, in the awareness that – as Scripture states – “It is not good for man to be alone” (Gen 2:18)”.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery , expressed his gratitude to the Holy Father for highlighting the loneliness endured by many elderly people.
“Faced with this reality,” Cardinal Farrell said, “families and the ecclesial community are called to be at the forefront in promoting a culture of encounter, to create spaces for sharing, listening, to offer support and affection: thus, the love of Gospel becomes concrete.”
Loneliness, the Cardinal admitted, is an unavoidable condition of human life, as well as an invitation to turn to God the Father for comfort.
As Christians, the World Day dedicated to grandparents and the elderly calls us to put aside our throwaway culture and show “tenderness and affectionate attention” to the most fragile members of our communities, he said.
The 2024 World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly takes place in the Year of Prayer, which the Pope has called to help Catholics prepare for the 2025 Jubilee.
Pope Francis established the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in 2021, to take place on the fourth Sunday of July, near the liturgical feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus Christ.
