Diocesan News
The theme chosen by Pope Leo XIV for the 6th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly – “I will never forget you” (Is 49:15) – reminds us that God’s unwavering love is the ultimate answer to the isolation and neglect so often experienced by the elderly. It brings comfort and hope, assuring us that the Lord knows each of us personally, forgets no one, and loves us unconditionally, even through the frailties of old age.
Since its creation in 2021, the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly has grown into a cherished tradition that teaches our communities to truly value the elderly, not through occasional gestures, but as a permanent, central part of our lives. This celebration helps us appreciate older generations as vital keepers of our history, witnesses to our faith, and teachers for our lives.
Being a grandparent
After raising a family of four, we had the pleasure of becoming grandparents to eleven children ages currently ranging from 24 to 6. At the time of the arrival of our first two granddaughters – 3 weeks apart – I was working full time, still heavily involved in sport and had a busy social life. After discussions with Jim, I asked my work if I could go part time {3 days a week} so that I had time to spend with the grandchildren. Luckily, the Director of the Catholic Education Office at the time agreed to my request for which I was forever grateful.
Whilst probably not the best financial decision, it was certainly the best family decision which has enabled us to have a life long relationship with this next generation of our family. Those days were filled with great experiences for us all – playgrounds, movies, parks, cooking, arts and crafts, walks and generally just sharing time together with no outside distractions. All the things we struggled to fit into our busy lives when our children were young. When Jim and I both retired from work it enabled us to attend more school occasions – school Masses, grandparents days, sports days, concerts, art shows. The smiles on the grandchildren’s faces when they saw us made it all worthwhile.
As the children grew, we have shared many special occasions as a family – birthdays, Christmas, school graduations, sporting achievements, beach holidays, Deb balls. Such a pleasure and honour to see these children growing into beautiful adults. We were lucky that eight out of our eleven grandchildren lived locally – our youngest grandchild, from Melbourne, just had his first “Bungaree holiday” without his parents – a great cousin catch up.
The love and care all the grandchildren showered on Jim in the last two years of his life was so lovely – he was loved dearly by them all. Since his passing, we have initiated “dinner at Nana’s” on a Monday night for whoever is available. It’s a lovely gathering time, and especially nice that the partners of the grandchildren also come whenever they can – such a precious family time. When we look back over the past 24 years we reflect on millions of memories and I give thanks every day for such a loving, caring family that has been happy to share their lives with Nana and Pop.
Sue O’Keefe
The Secretariat from the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life have provided resources for the celebration for the sixth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. Included in the kit are pastoral guidelines, liturgical guidelines, a prayer and catecheis on old age.
Prayer for the
Sixth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
July 26, 2026
Holy Father
Who watches over every person
Watch over me too when I am elderly.
You have revealed your name to me in Christ,
And You were not discouraged by my frailties.
You hold me tenderly in your hands,
And You caress my lines.
You will never forget me! (see Is 49:15).
Grant that I may not fear my weakness;
Help me learn to love it
Just as You love it.
Help me learn to listen to it
Just as You listen to it.
Help me embrace it
Just as You have chosen it –
You who, though all-powerful, clothed yourself in humility.
May growing old strip away all our pride
and all division
So that we may live these years
united in You.
You will never forget us! (see Is 49:15)
Amen.