In July 2021 Pope Francis established a World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, which was celebrated for the first time on Sunday, 25th July 2021 when Pope Francis celebrated Mass in Rome.

During the Mass, Pope Francis reminded us that grandparents and the elderly deserve our respect and praise. Among the greatest people we are likely to meet in our lives could be our own grandparents. Throughout their lives they had to endure war, shortages, scarcity and hours of hard tedious work. Times were tough in many different ways. Grandparents sacrificed everything to take care of their families and gave their children better lives than they themselves had. For their grandchildren they are caregivers, teachers and playmates. They are trusted advisors for their adult children who are now parents themselves.

For many families, grandparents provide regular child care. In some cases, they are primary caregivers to their grandchildren. They are a valuable resource because they have so many stories and experiences from their own lives to share. Children understand more of who they are and where they come from, through their connection with their grandparents. Grandparents can get away with a little spoiling, which gives them a special place in a child’s heart, and they tell the best stories!!

On Wednesday, 26th July we celebrated the Feast of Saint Joachim and Saint Anne, parents of Our Lady and grandparents of Jesus.

Prayer: God of love, we thank you for our wonderful grandparents.

They bring such joy and happiness into our lives.

Thank you for all the special times that we have with them.

Please watch over them, protect them and care for them now.

May they know your goodness and love always.

(From the Ennis Newsletter – Adapted)