(4th Sunday in July)
On January 31, 2021, Pope Francis decided to institute throughout the Church the celebration of World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. It will be held every year on the fourth Sunday in July near the liturgical memory of Saints Joachim and Anne, grandparents of Jesus. Pope Francis said, "It is important for grandparents to meet their grandchildren and for grandchildren to meet their grandparents."
Fifth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
The V World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will be celebrated on Sunday July 27, 2025. The theme chosen by Pope Leo XIV - "Blessed are those who have not lost hope" (cf. Sir 14:2). In the Message, the Holy Father invites us to recognise the elderly not only as recipients of pastoral care, but as witnesses of hope who are active protagonists in the life of the Church.
To help parishes celebrate World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, please see 2025 Pastoral Kit and Resources by the Discastery for Laity, Family and Life as follows:
These resources are available in English, French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese
Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has prepared a video and various resources for the fifth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly 2025 available on the CCCB website.
Additional pastoral resources are available as follows:
Books:
For further resources please visit our Resources for Parishes.
If you require assistance, please contact Saulina (Sally) Amaral, Diocesan Coordinator, Ministries of Care and Ministry with Maturing Adults, at (416) 934-3400 ext. 518 or samaral@archtoronto.org.