Pope Francis has designated today, the Fourth Sunday in July (July 24th) World Day of Prayer for Grandparents and the Elderly. The Pope calls for a revolution of tenderness, a spiritual and non-violent revolution in which he encourages grandparents and elderly persons to take an active role.
“Our world is passing through a time of trial and testing, beginning with the sudden, violent outbreak of the pandemic, and then by a war that is harming peace and development on a global scale. …We, grandparents and elderly people, have a great responsibility: to teach the women and men of our time to regard others with the same understanding and loving gaze with which we regard our own grandchildren. We ourselves have grown in humanity by caring for others, and now we can be teachers of a way of life that is peaceful and attentive to those in greatest need… Our grandparents held us in their arms and carried us on their knees; now is the time for us to carry on our own knees – with practical assistance or with prayer alone – not only our own grandchildren but the children of the entire world.”
We wish all our elderly supporters and grandparent supporters a happy World Day!
Prayer for the Second World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly – 24 July 2022
I give thanks to you, Lord, For the blessing of a long life For, to those who take refuge in You, Grant always to bear fruit.
Forgive, O Lord, Resignation and disillusionment, But forsake me not When my strength declines.
Teach me to look with hope To the future you give me, To the mission you entrust to me And to sing your praises without end.
Make me a tender craftsman Of Your revolution, To guard with love my grandchildren And all the little ones who seek shelter in You.
Protect, O Lord, Pope Francis And grant Thy Church To deliver the world from loneliness. Direct our steps in the way of peace.
Amen.
The MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR THE SECOND WORLD DAY FOR GRANDPARENTS AND THE ELDERLY can be read at the following link:
