With both an ageing Australian population and an ageing Church community around the world, it is important for individuals and communities to reflect upon the gifts the elderly offer to families, the Church and society.
The elderly have been a particular focus during Pope Francis’ pontificate. In 2020, the first international congress on the pastoral care of the elderly, “The richness of many years of life” was held in Rome. In 2021, Pope Francis established the annual celebration of World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, an indication of the growing importance and relevance of ministry and pastoral care in this area.
In a culture that widely fails to recognise the value of the elderly, Pope Francis calls the Church to celebrate the pivotal role that the elderly have in transmitting the faith to the next generation and in sharing their learnt wisdom with young people a range of local and international content that explores the value of the elderly and their important role in the Church and society.
World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
The Message for the Sixth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, which will take place on July 26, 2026 was published on June 15. This year's theme is: “I will never forget you” (Isaiah 49:15). The Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life has prepared a pastoral kit and other resources aimed at supporting local Churches, associations, and lay communities in organising initiatives that place our elderly at the centre:
- Message for the Sixth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
- Pastoral guidelines
- Liturgical resource
- Official prayer
The team at Archdiocesan Ministries, in the Archdiocese of Brisbane, has also prepared a range of resources for World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. These resources include activity ideas for parishes, schools and early education centres; prayer and scripture cards; and liturgical suggestions.
Access the resources at the Archdiocesan Ministries website.
Another resource available is a children's bookmark developed by the Diocese of Wollongong, which can be coloured in and shared with family and friends.
Resources
Honouring grandparents and the elderly
On the last weekend in July, grandparents and the elderly were honoured in parishes across the world. This celebration came because of Pope Francis’ strong desire to acknowledge everything that older people offer to their families and, indeed, all of society.
Catholic Teaching and Thought Related to Ageing (Justice and Peace Office)
World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly (Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life)
Catechesis on Old Age (Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, 2022)
‘The richness of many years of life’ – International conference on the pastoral care of the elderly (Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, 2020)
The Dignity of Older People and their Mission in the Church and in the World (Pontifical Council for the Laity, 1998)
Blessings of Age: Pastoral Message on Growing Older Within the Faith Community (USCCB)