“His mercy is from age to age” (Lk. 1:50) is the theme chosen by the Holy Father for the third World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly .

Pope Francis proclaimed the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly to be celebrated on the fourth Sunday in July each year – July 23 in 2023. The Day is marked near the Feast of Sts Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus.  Parishes, schools, agencies, aged care facilities and other ministries are encouraged to find creative ways to celebrate the contribution of older people to their families and communities.

See stories below on contributions and reflections from around the diocese.

Prayer for the Third World Day
for Grandparents and the Elderly 2023

Virgin Mary, 
Mother of faith and hope,
an example for this humanity bent by indifference,
make me as willing as You 
to accept the will of God,
to magnify and praise His Mercy.

Mary, Mother of fortitude,
you who knows my heart, 
do not allow me to become discouraged. 
I confidently surrender my life into your hands. 
Heal my wounds.
May your tenderness accompany me on the way.

Your presence, Mother of love,
brings us to experience the joy
of seeing our families united. 
Help me to transmit the tenderness and Love of God
to the grandchildren and youth 
so that, in addition to praying for them,
we can pray with them.

Mary, may the gift of the Holy Spirit intercede for me:
sustain my weakness;
breathe into my heart the consolation 
that I may leave traces of faith among the young,
bearing witness to the beauty of life,
knowing that life has a limit 
and that beyond it lies before us our Father’s embrace.
Amen.