The Holy Father has announced the IV World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly on Sunday, July 28, 2024. The U.S. bishops approved the transfer of the celebration of this observance to the first Sunday after Labor Day, this year Sunday September 8, to coincide with the National celebration of Grandparents Day in the United States which many local communities, schools, and parishes observe.
The theme chosen by the Holy Father for 2024, “Do not cast me off in my old age” (cf. Psalm 71:9), wishes to call attention to the fact that, sadly, loneliness is the bitter lot in the lives of many elderly, so often the victims of the throw-away culture. He has invited everyone “to show our tender love for grandparents and the elderly members of our families.”
The Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life has prepared a pastoral kit that includes an entire cycle of catechesis on old age, a selection of recent texts from the Magisterium, the official prayer, and additional pastoral suggestions in many different languages. The Holy Father’s message is posted on the Dicastery website as well as the official prayer and logo. It is also requested that any initiatives at the local levels use the official logo and hashtag: #ElderlyandGrandparents.
You can also find resources and ideas for how to celebrate World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly at https://www.usccb.org/topics/marriage-and-family-life-ministries/grandparents-elderly.