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A Message for the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly from, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.
There’s a strong respect life message reflected in the beautiful and extraordinary theme our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has chosen for this year’s World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly observance July 26: “I will never forget you.”
Think about it. Through our Catholic faith, we believe that the Lord Jesus will never forget anyone. He knows each of us by name and holds us all in the palm of his hand.
And as followers of Jesus, we are called to do the same. Through our prayer, our good works and intentions, we can spiritually reach out and lift up those who may feel lost, alone or forgotten simply because they are advanced in years and may not be as physically fit or mentally sharp as they once were.
As Catholics we are commissioned by Christ to respect all human life, from the womb to the tomb and everywhere in between. On this global day of observance, let’s keep our elderly brothers and sisters close in prayer, letting them know that God is with them and will never forget them. And neither will we.
May St. Anne and St. Joachim, parents of Our Blessed Lady and grandparents of the Lord Jesus, watch over us, pray with us and pray for us!