The 5th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly - 2025
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.