‘I will never forget you’ is the theme of the Sixth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

‘I will never forget you’ (Is 49:15) is the theme chosen by the Holy Father for the Sixth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly which aims to emphasise how God's love for each person never fails, even in the fragility of old age.

Taken from the book of the prophet Isaiah, the chosen verse is intended to be a message of consolation and hope for all grandparents and the elderly, especially those who live in solitude or feel forgotten. At the same time, it is a call to families and ecclesial communities not to forget them, recognising them as a precious presence and a blessing.

The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, established by Pope Francis in 2021, is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of July and is an opportunity to bring the Church closer to the elderly and to value their contribution to families and communities. This year, the date coincides with the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, Sunday 26 July, and the Holy Father invites everyone to celebrate the Day with a Eucharistic liturgy in the Cathedral Church of each diocese.

The Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life encourages particular Churches, associations and ecclesial communities throughout the world to find ways to promote the Day in their own local context and will subsequently make available some specific pastoral tools for this purpose.