The 5th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly - 2025
“Can a mother forget the infant at her breast? … Even should she forget, I will never forget you.” — Isaiah 49:15
The 6th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will be celebrated on Sunday, 26 July 2026, with the theme “I will never forget you” (Isaiah 49:15), chosen by the Holy Father, Pope Leo.
Celebrated close to the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and grandparents of Jesus, this year’s theme reflects God’s unwavering love and faithfulness. Even in the fragility of old age, the Lord never forgets His people. The Holy Father’s message offers hope and consolation to grandparents and the elderly, especially those who experience loneliness or feel forgotten. It also invites families and parish communities to cherish older persons as treasured witnesses of faith, wisdom, hope, and love.
The Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life encourages every diocese to mark the occasion with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist alongside grandparents and the elderly, and by reaching out to those who are homebound or living in isolation. Pastoral resources for the celebration will be made available through the Dicastery and shared with dioceses.
The Archdiocesan Family Apostolate will celebrate the 6th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly at the Archdiocesan level on Tuesday, 28 July 2026. Parishes are requested to send representatives to participate in this celebration. Details regarding the venue, programme, and registration will be communicated separately.
Parishes, institutions, and deaneries are encouraged to celebrate the World Day on Sunday, 26 July 2026, or on another suitable Sunday, during one of the parish Masses. The Archdiocesan Family Apostolate will provide the liturgical resources and other materials for the celebration.
Parishes are also requested to send a brief report along with photographs of their celebrations to the Family Apostolate, Archdiocese of Hyderabad.
Today we celebrate the 6th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, with the theme “I will never forget you” (Isa 49:15), chosen by the Holy Father, Pope Leo, on the Feast of St. Joachim and St. Anne, the parents of Our Blessed Mother and maternal grandparents of Jesus. The Church reminds us to cherish grandparents and the elderly as witnesses of hope, wisdom, faith, and love, never forgotten but valued as precious blessings within our families and communities. May our prayers in this Eucharist bring them good health, strength and peace.
Today we celebrate the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, instituted by Pope Francis in 2021, with this year's beautiful theme: “I will never forget you” (Isaiah 49:15). These words remind us that God never forgets His children, especially the elderly who are often vulnerable, lonely, or overlooked. The Church also reminds us never to forget them, because grandparents and elders are treasures of wisdom, prayer, faith, and hope.
In the first reading from the First Book of Kings, King Solomon asks God not for riches or power, but for wisdom. True wisdom is knowing what really matters in life. Many of us have experienced this wisdom through grandparents or elderly people who guided us with gentle advice, patient correction, and silent sacrifice. Their wisdom was not learned only from books, but through years of joys and sorrows, failures and victories, prayer and perseverance.
Who can forget the blessing of a grandmother before exams, the rosary prayed by an elderly parent, or the encouraging words of a grandfather during difficult moments? These simple acts become treasures that shape our faith. Often, the elderly teach us that trust in God is not a passing emotion but a lifelong decision.
In the second reading from the Epistle to the Romans, Saint Paul reminds us that “all things work together for good for those who love God.” God has a purpose for every life, including the lives of the elderly. Society may sometimes see old age as weakness or burden, but God sees dignity, experience, and mission. The elderly continue to evangelize through their patience, endurance, and prayer. Even when physically weak, they remain spiritually powerful.
Today's Gospel from the Gospel of Matthew speaks about the treasure hidden in the field and the pearl of great price. Grandparents and elders are such treasures within our families and communities. Sadly, in today's fast-moving world, many elderly people feel forgotten. Some live alone. Some long simply for conversation, attention, or a visit. The Gospel challenges us to recognize their value before it is too late.
The Gospel also reminds us to focus on the true treasures of life — not merely money, success, or comfort, but faith, relationships, kindness, and eternal life. Very often, our grandparents understood this deeply. They taught us to pray before meals, to trust God during hardships, and to remain united as families.
(You may like to choose from the list of practical suggestions given below for worthy engagement with grandparents and the elderly.) Remember, the Fourth Commandment — honour your father and mother — is the only commandment with a promise attached to it.
May the Holy Spirit fill us with wisdom and gratitude. Through the intercession of Saint Joachim and Saint Anne, may we cherish our grandparents and elderly, never forgetting them, just as God never forgets us.
A few suggestions offered to celebrate Grandparents and Elderly Day:
Celebrant: As we celebrate the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, let us confidently place our prayers before God, whose faithful love never abandons His children. Our response is:
LORD, IN YOUR GREAT MERCY, HEAR OUR PRAYERWorld Day for Grandparents and the Elderly · July 26, 2026 · “I will never forget you” (Isaiah 49:15)
To make Christian Families and their welfare the top priority of the Church. And to recognize their central role in promoting God's plan for humanity and the Church.
To strengthen the bonds in family and empower them to further the cause of Christ of building God's kingdom in this world.
Creating a Christian atmosphere where Christ is the center of family life and a where Gospel values are practiced.
Guiding young men and women to understand Christian marriage and family life by discovering the dignity and beauty of the Sacrament of Marriage.
Helping to heal the brokenness in marriages and families when they encounter discord and conflict.
Parents-Children Interactions: Digital Free Family Hour (DFFH) is a programme where the family sits together, prays, eats, speaks and plays together for an hour, at the most, without the use of any electronic device.
Family Cells: to empower families and enrich parish family life; to build Christ-centered homes that pray. The role of the Family Cell is to build, nurture and enrich relationships within and across the families of the parish. The cell comprises of five to six families with a religious sister or two or/and the assistant parish priest, helping them to interact with one another, creating formative small communities and becoming a leaven in the parish. The Family Cell meets once a month in the church premises.
Home Mission: Extensive visits to families offering comfort and solidarity to families in the Parishes with the help of Priests, Religious, Parish Council members, BCC members and Seminarians. This mission is to visit, listen, learn and reach out to the cares and concerns of the families.
Elizabeth Retreats: Retreats for pregnant women and expectant parents. Held in the month of December every year.
Teams: A team of dedicated and trained couples, Religious sisters, priests and laity
Director, Family Apostolate
The 5th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly was joyfully celebrated on Sunday, 27th July 2025. On this special day, Catholics around the world reflected on the great heritage and wisdom passed on by grandparents and the elderly.
The theme chosen by our Holy Father, Pope Francis – “Blessed are those who have not lost hope” (cf. Sir 14:2) – invited us to recognize the blessedness of the elderly and the hope they bring to families and communities, especially in this Jubilee Year.
At the Archdiocesan level, the Family Apostolate, in collaboration with the Sisters of St. Ann’s Providence, hosted the celebration at St. Ann’s High School, Secunderabad (ICSE). The day began with a solemn Eucharistic Celebration, followed by felicitations and awards honoring grandparents and elders for their special milestones. The program concluded with a joyful fellowship meal, bringing together representatives from various parishes and institutions.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the parishes, institutions, and families who joined in making this celebration meaningful and memorable. May the wisdom, love, and faith of our grandparents and elders continue to inspire us all.
The Family Apostolate of the Archdiocese of Hyderabad took a significant step forward in strengthening its family ministry with the successful hosting of “Journeying with Families – Part 3” at the Satyodayam Retreat Center, Tarnaka. The seminar brought together clergy, religious, and lay faithful for a day of learning, reflection, and empowerment, focused on building effective outreach and support for families.
The event commenced with an opening prayer (by ?) and the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, setting a tone of reverence and unity. Fr David Francis, Director of the Family Apostolate, welcomed participants and resource persons, highlighting the importance of collaborative ministry in today’s rapidly changing family landscape.
The morning session featured a compelling talk by Dr. Diana Monteiro, an internationally acclaimed psychologist. Dr. Monteiro addressed the challenges faced by families in their brokenness, delving into the root causes of conflict and break-ups in contemporary marriage and family life. Her practical insights and compassionate approach inspired attendees to serve families in distress with renewed wisdom and empathy.
Following a brief tea break, Rev. Fr. Mallavarapu Sundar, Episcopal Vicar, delivered an informative session on “Marriage Annulment.” He clarified the Church’s teaching on annulment, distinguishing it from divorce, and offered guidance on supporting couples navigating this sensitive process. His informative, interactive talk equipped participants with the knowledge and sensitivity needed to accompany families through difficult times, answering questions and clarifying related issues.
Sr. Jessy Kurien also contributed with a brief but impactful reflection on the family, underlining the Church’s commitment to holistic family care.
As we begin this Holy Eucharist, the lighting of the candle is a reminder of God’s presence around us and within us. Dear grandparents and elderly, you are a living sign of the goodness of God who bestows life in abundance. You are models of faith and perseverance to the young who rely on you as a sign of hope. We want to tell you that you are precious, loved, cared and wanted. Let us take this light to brighten our lives and the lives of everyone we touch, so that they can see and experience the tenderness of God’s love through us and our perseverance and faith in Him.
Representing Cardinal Poola Anthony, who was away, Fr Victor Emmanuel, Procurator and Chancellor, served as Chief Guest. He conveyed the Cardinal’s greetings and appreciation for the Family Apostolate’s dedicated work, assuring continued support and encouragement for their initiatives.
The post-lunch session engaged participants in group discussions on pressing family issues, fostering collaborative problem-solving and the sharing of practical solutions. The seminar also spotlighted various Couple and Family Movements active in the twin cities, including Marriage Encounter, Retrouvaille, Grey and Graceful, Missionary Families for Christ, Family Counselling, and Alcoholics Anonymous – resources available to support families in need.
Roger and Jessy, Secretary Couple of the Family Apostolate, presented a brief report on the journey and activities of the Apostolate, celebrating achievements and outlining future plans. The seminar concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks, marking the end of a fruitful day dedicated to empowering those who serve families across the Archdiocese.
This seminar stands as a testament to the Archdiocese of Hyderabad’s ongoing commitment to nurturing resilient, faith-filled families and building a supportive community for all.