July 21, 2025 
The Fifth World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly is to be held on Sun., Sept. 7. This year’s theme is “Blessed are those who have not lost hope” (cf. Sir 14:2). These words, taken from the Book of Sirach, express the blessedness of the elderly and indicate hope placed in the Lord as the way to a Christian and reconciled old age.
Established by Pope Francis in 2021, the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly is intended to be an opportunity to reflect on how the presence of grandparents and the elderly can become a sign of hope in every family and church community.
Here are some suggestions to celebrate the Fifth World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly:
For Grandparents and the Elderly:
- Enjoy a special treat today
- Say a prayer of thanksgiving to God for all your blessings and challenges
- Reach out to someone you know who might be alone
For Families:
- Treat your loved ones to something special today
- Attend Mass as a family
- Present a homemade gift
- Ask what grandma, grandpa, or an elderly family member/friend would like to do for the day
- Prepare a spiritual bouquet that includes prayers and acts of kindness
- Think of a kind act that you could do every day, once a week, once a month, etc.
The famous line goes, “The family that prays together, stays together.” The phrase was popularized by Father Peyton, who founded the Family Rosary Crusade and used the slogan on billboards and in his ministry.
