World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

Pope Francis declared July 23 the Third World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. The Vatican reports that this World Day serves as a reminder of the invaluable wisdom, experience, and love that older generations offer to society and the Church.

“Let us honor them, neither depriving ourselves of their company nor depriving them of ours. May we never allow the elderly to be cast aside!”

Pope Francis, Message for the third world day for Grandparents and the elderly

You can read Pope Francis’ full message for the Third World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly from Vatican News.

Here at the Mothers’ Shrine we have an affinity for the love shared between the many generations in family life. Today we say a special blessing for all the grandparents among us, especially the grandmothers and “greats” represented on our Mothers’ Wall of Life.

We thank God for their example and ask that He bless them all!