With the motto “In old age do not abandon me”, on Sunday, July 28, the IV World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, convened by Pope Francis, is celebrated throughout the world.
The purpose of the event is to make known the reality of many elderly people who live alone and often become victims of the throwaway culture.
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On this occasion, also at the initiative of Pope Francis, plenary indulgences will be granted to grandparents, older people and their caregivers.
In different Latin American countries, related activities are organized so that older adults can enjoy their day. There will be Masses, meals and shows.
In Argentina
In the Cathedral Basilica and Sanctuary of the Virgen del Valle, in the Diocese of Catamarca (Argentina) it will be celebrated with a special blessing to the grandparents present at all the Masses that day, at 7:00, 8:00, 10: 00, 11:00, 18:00 and 20:00 hours.
In addition, grandchildren or relatives of grandparents who died are invited to bring their photograph, which will be placed in front of the altar, where a response will be prayed for the eternal rest of their souls.
Also in Catamarca, a Mass will be celebrated for the grandparents in the Sanctuary of the Gruta de la Virgen del Valle. It will be at 4:00 p.m., organized by the pastoral service “Accompanying grandparents”, of the Pastoral de la Niñez. You are also invited to bring photos of deceased grandparents.
With games, raffles, music and dance, Catholic Action in the Archdiocese of Corrientes (Argentina) prepares the “Great Grandparents Festival”, on Sunday from 4:30 p.m. in the hall of the Nuestra Señora de la Merced Sanctuary (25 of May 802). There will be hot chocolate, entertainment and live shows.
In the Diocese of Nueve de Julio (Argentina), the Bishop, Mons. Ariel Torrado Mosconi, will preside over the Mass for the Day in the Cristo Rey parish at 8:00 p.m.
On the occasion of the Day of Grandparents and Elders, the Nuestra Señora de Fátima parish, located at Plaza Arandia 45, in the city of La Paz (Bolivia), organizes a free health campaign, which will take place on Sunday between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. There will be blood glucose checks (fasting), blood pressure checks, and joint pain checks.
The San Andrés Apóstol parish, in the Diocese of Piedras Negras (Mexico), will celebrate grandparents and elders with Mass, dinner and dancing. In this framework, they call on the community to invite and accompany those elderly who are alone. The activity begins at 7:00 p.m. and requires registration by sending a message on this page.
In Chile
Cáritas Chile, for its part, is organizing an intergenerational liturgy on July 26 at 4:00 p.m., where it is expected to bring together people of all ages to celebrate and honor grandparents and the elderly.
The proposal is to share a moment of reflection and communion, highlighting the importance of intergenerational solidarity and the wealth that each generation brings to the community.
In turn, Cáritas agencies in the region will carry out work sessions focused on the well-being of older adults, addressing the challenges they face.
In Peru
In anticipation of the date, the Archdiocese of Lima (Peru) held an event this Wednesday coordinated by the Family and Life Commission, the Vicariate of Youth and the Health Ministry.
After a talk led by psychologist Susana Iparraguirre on the importance of preserving emotional health, and a dance and singing show by the young people, Mons. Guillermo Elías, Auxiliary Bishop of Lima and Apostolic Administrator of Piura, celebrated the Eucharist, highlighting the importance of the mission of grandparents in the home, since they “transmit their rich life experience” to the youngest.
In Mexico
In the Archdiocese of Mexico, considering the gift of indulgences, animaron to follow the conditions to obtain it. These are: sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion, and prayer for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff.
Juliet Villar
I am a journalist, with a degree in communication from the National University of La Matanza in Argentina. I have work experience in non-governmental organizations. Since 2016 I have been dedicated to Catholic journalism, first at the Argentine Catholic Information Agency (AICA) and, since 2022, as ACI Prensa correspondent for Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Bolivia.