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).

The official logo (or mark) is an unalterable image that must not be typographically reconstructed, redrawn or deformed.

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Prayer for the Fourth World Day

for Grandparents and the Elderly

28 July 2024

Lord, faithful God,

You who created us in Your image,

You who never leaves us alone

and who accompanies us through every season of life,

Do not abandon us, take care of us,

And grant us, once again,

The ability to discover ourselves

and recognise that we are Your children.

Renew our hearts with your Word

And do not allow anyone to be cast aside.

May your Spirit of love fill us with Your tenderness

And teach us to say:

“I will not abandon you!”

To those we meet on our journey.

With the help of your beloved Son,

may we not lose the taste for fraternity

And may we not conform to the sadness of loneliness.

Help us to look to the future with renewed hope,

And make the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

A day without loneliness, and a day abundant

with the first-fruits of Your peace.

Amen.

Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for the Fourth World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly