Bishop Michael F. Burbidge
issues statement for World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

On Sunday, July 25, we observe the first World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, established by Pope Francis to be held on the fourth Sunday of July every year. Pope Francis tells us, “the elderly remind us that old age is a gift and that grandparents are the link between the different generations, to pass on to the young the experience of life.” So may we mark this day on our calendars this year and every year. I encourage you to call or visit your grandparents sometime during this week if they are living, pray for them if they are deceased, or offer to help an elderly neighbor. They have wisdom to share, and we should extend our respect for their experience and their God-given dignity. 

• Download the Prayer for the First World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

Pope Francis has granted several opportunities to receive a plenary indulgence this Sunday, July 25. More info from the Vatican:

During solemn celebrations

The Plenary Indulgence will be granted under the usual conditions: sacramental confession, receiving Holy Communion, and praying for the intentions of the Holy Father.

Visiting elderly in need

The Plenary Indulgence in also granted on this same day to the faithful who devote adequate time to actually or virtually visiting their elderly brothers and sisters in need or in difficulty (such as the sick, the abandoned, the disabled and other similar cases).

Through the media  

The Plenary Indulgence may also be granted to those who are unable to leave their homes for serious reasons and “unite themselves spiritually to the sacred functions of the World Day, offering to the Merciful God their prayers, pains or sufferings of their lives, especially during the transmission, through the means of television and radio, but also through the new means of social communication.”