‘Do not cast me off in my old age’ (cfr. Sal 71:9): the theme for the IV World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly was announced today

This morning, the theme chosen by the Holy Father for the next World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, which will be celebrated on 28 July 2024 in all the dioceses of the world, was announced through the Holy See Press Office Bulletin.

In this regard, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, declared:

“I am deeply grateful to the Holy Father for having chosen as theme of the IV World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly the verse of Psalm 71: ‘Do not cast me off in my old age’. It is the ‘prayer of an elderly person’, which reminds us that, unfortunately, loneliness is a widespread reality, which afflicts many elderly people, often victims of the throwaway culture and considered a burden to society.

Faced with this reality, families and the ecclesial community are called to be at the forefront in promoting a culture of encounter, to create spaces for sharing, listening, to offer support and affection: thus the love of Gospel becomes concrete.

Loneliness, certainly, is also an unavoidable condition of human existence, which manifests itself in a particular way in old age, but not only. For this reason, the psalmist's prayer is the prayer of eachone of us, the prayer of the heart of every Christian who turns to the Father and trusts in his comfort.

In this year dedicated to prayer, the celebration of the IV World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly takes on an even deeper and broader meaning. It invites us to build, together - grandparents, grandchildren, young people, elderly people, members of the same family - the broader ‘we’ of ecclesial communion. It is precisely this familiarity, rooted in the love of God, that overcomes every form of throwaway culture and loneliness.

Our communities, with their tenderness and affectionate attention that does not forget its most fragile members, are called to manifest the love of God, who never abandons anyone”.

The Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life invites parishes, dioceses, associations and ecclesial communities from all over the world to prepare spiritually and with pastoral initiatives for the Day. In the coming months a special pastoral kit for preparation will be available on the website www.laityfamilylife.va.

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PRESS RELEASE - DICASTERY FOR THE LAITY, THE FAMILY AND LIFE

Theme for the IV World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

The IV World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will be celebrated on Sunday, 28 July 2024.  The theme chosen by the Holy Father – “Do not cast me off in my old age” (cf. Psalm 71:9) – is meant to call attention to the fact that, sadly, loneliness is the bitter lot in life of many elderly persons, so often the victims of the throw-away culture.

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).