Vatican:

Pope Francis released the theme for the fourth ‘World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly’ on Thursday. The Holy Father has chosen ‘Do not cast me off in my old age’, taken from Psalm 71 as the theme for the day.

Catholics around the world are invited to celebrate the day on July 28 this year, to commemorate the heritage and wisdom passed onto them by the elderly.

The Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life in a press release published the theme which depicts the plea of an elderly person who reflects on the story of his friendship with God.

“By cherishing the charisms of grandparents and the elderly, and the contribution they make to the life of the Church, the World Day seeks to support the efforts of every ecclesial community to forge bonds between the generations and to combat loneliness, in the awareness that – as Scripture states – “It is not good for man to be alone” (Gen 2:18),” reads the press release.

The Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, Cardinal Kevin Farrell upon expressing his gratitude to the Holy Father for selecting the theme said, “It is the ‘prayer of an elderly person’, which reminds us that, unfortunately, loneliness is a widespread reality, which afflicts many elderly people, often victims of the throwaway culture and considered a burden to society.”

“Faced with this reality, families and the ecclesial community are called to be at the forefront in promoting a culture of encounter, to create spaces for sharing, listening, to offer support and affection: thus the love of Gospel becomes concrete,” said the prelate.

Cardinal Farrell also pointed out that this year’s celebration would have a deeper and broader meaning as the year 2024 is dedicated to prayer. “Our communities, with their tenderness and affectionate attention that does not forget its most fragile members, are called to manifest the love of God, who never abandons anyone,” added the Cardinal.

Pope Francis established the celebration of the World Day dedicated to the Grandparents and the Elderly in 2021. Every year, the day would be celebrated on the fourth Sunday of July, which is around the feast day of Christ’s grandparents St. Joachim and Anne.