World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly: Sunday, July 24, 2022

Pope Francis proclaimed the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly to be celebrated on the fourth Sunday in July each year – July 24 in 2022. The Day is marked near the Feast of Sts Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. Parishes, schools, aged care facilities and other ministries were encouraged to find creative ways to celebrate the contribution of older people to their families and communities.

Reflections from around the diocese can be read below:

Geraldine Mugavin rsm:

Being invited to write to acknowledge World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly was a bit of a shock. Click here for more.

Monica Sheehan:

It can be said that grandparents and the elderly have a significant impact on the values that people cherish and live their lives by. Read more.

Therese Winter:

On May 21, 2022 our suspense was finally over and our much anticipated new baby granddaughter arrived into the world. Click here for more.

Mary Lancaster:

Since I was invited to write a few words about my ‘take’ on being an older person, mother of two and grandmother of two, I’ve been mulling over what that means to me. Read more.

Other information can be accessed here.

Pope Francis’ message for World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly (online version)

Prayer for World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

We are a community of communities from the Murray to the sea.
Inspired by the Gospel and nourished by the Eucharist, we follow the example of Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, reaching out in joyful and humble service, caring for all of God’s creation, growing in love day by day and looking forward to life with God forever.

Diocesan Vision Statement

In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands in which the Diocese of Ballarat sits. We would like to pay our respects to Aboriginal Elders past, present and future. Their wisdom can help us care for the earth, our common home.

- Acknowledgement of Country -