The Catholic Church celebrates the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly each year on the Sunday closest to the feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne, Jesus' grandparents.

July 28, 2024, will mark the fourth year of its observance. The theme chosen by the Holy Father, ‘Do not forsake me in my old age’ (cf. Ps 71:9), is intended to underline the fact that loneliness is, unfortunately, a bitter companion in the lives of so many elderly people, who are often victims of a culture of rejection. 

In this year of preparation for the Jubilee, which the Holy Father wishes to be devoted to prayer, the theme of the World Day is taken from Psalm 71, the plea of an elderly person who reflects on the story of his friendship with God.  

By cherishing the charisms of grandparents and the elderly, and the contribution they make to the life of the Church, the World Day seeks to support the efforts of every ecclesial community to forge bonds between the generations and to combat loneliness, in the awareness that – as Scripture states – “It is not good for man to be alone” (Gen 2:18). 

Learn more HERE.