World Day for Grandparents and Elderly

07-26-2026Weekly ReflectionFr. Abraham Orapankal, Pastor

Dear OLP Family,

Today is World Day for Grandparents and Elderly. This is a day established by Pope Francis in 2021“to draw attention to a category all too often placed on the margins, remembering instead their value and encouraging actions in their favor.” Though the U.S. bishops decided to transfer this to the first weekend after Labor Day to coincide with National Grandparents and the Elderly Day in the United States, the rest of the world celebrates it today. Hence, it is good for us to reflect on the theme of this year’s celebration.

Pope Leo XIV has chosen “I will never forget you” (Is 49:15) as the theme for the Sixth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly which is celebrated every fourth Sunday of July and is presented as an opportunity to bring the closeness of the Church to the elderly and to enhance their contribution within families and communities. This year, the date coincides with the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus (Sunday, July 26), and the Holy Father invites everyone to celebrate the Day with a Eucharistic liturgy.

Taken from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, the chosen theme verse is meant to be a message of consolation and hope for all grandparents and elderly people, especially those who live in loneliness or feel forgotten. At the same time, it is a reminder to families and ecclesial communities not to forget them, recognizing in them a precious presence and a blessing. The Pope's choice highlights how God’s love for every person never fails, not even in the fragility of old age.

Recent research highlights that mental health for older adults is closely tied to their perceived sense of purpose, autonomy, and connection. When family dynamics change and roles shift, it is natural for grandparents to experience grief, confusion, or even anxiety. Dr. Mary Pipher, in her book Another Country: Navigating the Emotional Terrain of Our Elders, notes, “Older adults often feel invisible in a culture that values youth and innovation. But their role as emotional anchors is more vital than ever.” When grandparents are invited into family life not just for help (as babysitter, driver, etc.), but for meaningful emotional contribution, their wellbeing improves and so does the resilience of the entire family unit.

As we celebrate the grandparents and the elderly of our parish, let us remember that they have a thing or two to teach us about enduring change and handling life’s adversity. Respecting them can be the most gratuitous return for their selfless efforts that benefited us in different ways. The Bible is very clear on this: Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land. (Ephesians 6:1-3). “Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father. …. Treat older women as you would your mother….” (Timothy 5:1-3).

Your brother in Christ.