The CCCB Standing Committee for Family and Life released a short video message for the First World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, which will take place on Sunday, 25 July 2021.

From CCCB

The video message brings to life the theme chosen for this day, “I am with you always” (cf. Mt 28:20). It seeks to encourage young people, families, and communities to draw near and to spend time with grandparents and the elderly, cherishing their essential role for the Church and society.

Amid the global pandemic, on 31 January 2021, Pope Francis instituted the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, which will take place each year on the fourth Sunday in July, close to the feast of Sts Joachim and Anne, Jesus’ grandparents. In Canada and around the world, we are invited never to forget our grandparents and elderly persons, cherishing them as essential members of the Church and society.

On Sunday, 25 July 2021, this first World Day resonates well within Pope Francis’ broader initiative of the Amoris Laetitia Family Year (19 March 2021 – June 2022). Pastoral care of the elderly is an urgent responsibility of the Christian community, calling us to spend time with one another relating and sharing in intergenerational conversations.

Young people are especially encouraged to enter into dialogue with older generations and find time to dream together about our hopes for a better world.