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We welcome you to leave your thoughts, prayers, and cherished memories as we honor the life and legacy of His Holiness, Pope Francis.Please feel free to share your message in the comments below.
Read MoreAs we mourn together
As we mourn together in love, sorrow, and deep gratitude for our beloved Holy Father, let us also rejoice that his suffering is over, and that Almighty God has welcomed him into his heavenly home. We are eternally grateful for the legacy he leaves us—the establishment of the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.…
Read MorePope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.
By Devin Watkins At 9:45 AM, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta with these words: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis,…
Read MorePope’s April prayer intention: Technology should benefit everyone
In a video message with his prayer intention for April, the Pope urges putting technology at the service of everyone, especially those most in need. By Kielce Gussie In the month of April, Pope Francis dedicates his prayer intention to new technologies and the hope that their use “will not replace human relationships, will respect…
Read MorePope’s March prayer intention: ‘for families in crisis’
Pope Francis releases his prayer intention for the month of March 2025, and invites everyone to pray for “families in crisis,” as he acknowledges that no family is perfect, but that when we forgive our family members, we can rediscover peace. By Deborah Castellano Lubov Pope Francis’ monthly prayer intention this March is for “families…
Read MoreGrandparents’ Faith Café to Welcome Guest Speaker Dana Scallon
DANA, and her husband Damien Scallon, wrote the beloved hymn “Lady of Knock”. As a schoolgirl in 1970, DANA became Ireland’s first winner of the famous Eurovision Song Contest. Her winning song, ”All Kinds of Everything” was a #1 hit throughout Europe and beyond, opening the door to a highly successful music and television career.…
Read MorePope Francis: Lent calls us to journey together in hope
In his Message for Lent 2025, Pope Francis invites the faithful to “journey together in hope,” and to take the opportunity of the upcoming Lenten Season to ask ourselves whether we are truly willing to heed God’s call to change our lives. By Lisa Zengarini The central theme of Pope Francis’ Lenten Message is encapsulated…
Read More“Blessed are those who have not lost hope” is the theme chosen by Pope Francis for the 5th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
In a press release from the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, Pope Francis’ choice for this jubilee year The Holy Father has chosen the theme for the 5th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, which will be celebrated this year on Sunday, 27 July: “Blessed are those who have not lost hope.” (cf.…
Read MorePope’s February prayer intention: ‘For vocations to priesthood, religious life’
Pope Francis releases his prayer intention for the month of February, and urges Catholics to pray for young men and women to welcome God’s call to the priesthood or religious life. By Devin Watkins “Let us pray that the ecclesial community might welcome the desires and doubts of those young people who feel called to…
Read MoreFully embrace the Jubilee year 2025, strengthening your faith and family life
These essential practices will help make the Jubilee Year 2025 a time to deepen your faith and strengthen your family bonds. As we embark on 2025, we’re not simply beginning another year; we’re stepping into a profound moment of grace and renewal. This Jubilee Year, themed around hope, invites us to celebrate, reflect, and reconnect—drawing closer…
Read MoreOur next Faith Cafe will be held on Tuesday 11th February
Guest Speaker: Bishop Peter Collins Theme: As 11 February is the World Day of Prayer for the sick – Our Lady of Lourdes. “The Lessons of Infirmity”. Bishop Peter Collins is a native of Wales and was ordained to the priesthood within the Archdiocese of Cardiff on the 14th July 1984, having studied at Valladolid, Madrid…
Read MorePope’s January prayer intention: ‘for the right to an education’
Pope Francis releases his prayer intention for the month of January 2025, and invites everyone to pray for “the right to an education.” By Deborah Castellano Lubov Pope Francis’ monthly prayer intention this January is for “the right to an education.” The Pope invited the Church to pray for this intention in this month’s The…
Read MoreMessage of the Holy Father Francis for the 58th World Day of Peace
The following is the text of the Message of the Holy Father Francis for the 58th World Day of Peace, to be held on 1 January 2025 on the theme “Forgive us our trespasses: grant us your peace”: Message of the Holy Father Forgive us our trespasses: grant us your peace I. Listening to the plea of…
Read MoreOur next Faith Cafe will be held on Tuesday 14th January
Guest Speaker: Cardinal Wilfred Napier Theme: Collegiality and Synodality Born in the small midlands town of Matatliele on 8 March 1941, Wilfrid Fox Napier is one of seven children – five boys and two girls, who remain close to this day. He attended the Ixopo Catholic School. At the end of his matric year he…
Read MorePope’s December prayer intention: ‘For pilgrims of hope’
Pope Francis releases his prayer intention for the month of December, and invites Christians to pray that each of us may become pilgrims of hope as a result of the 2025 Jubilee. By Devin Watkins “Let us pray that this upcoming Jubilee may strengthen us in our faith, helping us to recognize the Risen Christ…
Read MoreOur next Faith Cafe will be held on Tuesday 10th December 🎄
Guest Speaker: Dr Keith Chappell Theme: The Colours of Christmas – getting through the high and lows of a time of year that brings many joys and challenges to family life. As we come together at Christmas families celebrate together but it can often mean different things for each of us. This can put strains…
Read MorePope’s November prayer intention: For those who have lost a child
In his prayer intention for November, Pope Francis prays that all parents who mourn the loss of s son or daughter might find consolation in their community, and may receive peace of heart from the Spirit of Consolation. By Christopher Wells “There are no words” that can console a parent who has lost a child,…
Read MoreOur next Faith Cafe will be held on Tuesday 12th November
Guest Speaker: Father Lambert Ramos Theme: “What I did for Love” Fr Lambert was ordained a priest last June 1, 2018, 55 years after meandering through 2 seminaries namely San Carlos Seminary, where he obtained his philosophy degree and Loyola School of Theology, where he took up his theological studies. In between: regency, a happy…
Read MoreWorld Rosary Day: A Global Prayer for the Jubilee Year 2025
On October 7, 2024, Catholics around the globe will unite in a profound act of faith and solidarity by participating in World Rosary Day, a pivotal event designed to spiritually prepare the faithful for the upcoming Jubilee Year 2025. This special day of prayer has been initiated in response to Pope Francis’ call for a “symphony of prayer”…
Read MorePope’s October prayer intention: ‘For a shared mission’
Pope Francis releases his prayer intention for the month of October “for a shared mission,” and calls on all faithful in whatever vocation they may have to do their best to contribute to a sense of co-responsibility in the Church. By Deborah Castellano Lubov Pope Francis’ monthly prayer intention for October is for “a shared…
Read MoreOur next Faith Cafe will be held on Tuesday 8th October
Guest Speaker: Archbishop Dermot Farrell Theme: Prayer Archbishop Dermot Farrell was born in 1954, the eldest of seven children of the late Dermot and Carmel Farrell, in Garthy, Castletown-Geoghegan, Co Westmeath, in the Diocese of the Meath. After his primary education in Castletown-Geoghegan and Streamstown, he attended Saint Finian’s College, Mullingar. In September 1972 he began…
Read MorePope’s September prayer intention: For the cry of the earth
In a video message accompanying his prayer intention for September, Pope Francis prays that “each of us might listen with our hearts to the cry of the earth and of the victims of environmental disasters and climate change, making a personal commitment to care for the world we inhabit.” By Christopher Wells Considering rising temperatures…
Read MoreOur next Faith Cafe will be held on Tuesday 10th September
Guest Speaker: Archbishop Thomas Wenski Theme: “All families – nuclear, extended, broken or blended – are called to be holy places when God lives with his people” Archbishop Thomas Wenski was born in West Palm Beach on October 18, 1950, and grew up in Lake Worth, Florida with his sister and his parents of Polish descent. He was…
Read MorePope’s August prayer intention
In his prayer intention for August, Pope Francis prays that political leaders may be at the service of their people. By Christopher Wells “Politics is one of the highest forms of charity because it seeks the common good,” says Pope Francis, quoting his predecessor St Paul VI. In his prayer intention for the month of…
Read MoreLight the Fire – Ballintubber Abbey August 4th 2024
Light the Fire 2024 Archbishop Francis Duffy DD along with Deacon John Taaffe will celebrate Mass at Ballintubber Abbey in Co. Mayo, on Sunday the 4th of August 2024 as part of the Light the Fire rosary/healing service. Eurovision’s Dana Rosemary Scallon will sing her new song for Saint Patrick which recalls how our patron…
Read MoreNational Grandparents Pilgrimage – Celebrating World day for Grandparents and Elderly
Over 5000 grandparents and elderly from across Ireland, along with multi-generational families, gathered at the Shrine of Our Lady of Knock to celebrate the Catholic Grandparents Association National Grandparents Pilgrimage and World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. The event was graced by Chief Celebrant Papal Nuncio for Ireland Archbishop Luis Montemayor, Bishop Denis Nulty…
Read MoreWorld Day for Grandparents and the Elderly Knock Shrine 2024
Catherine Wiley interview Radio Maria England
Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of Saints Anne and Joachim, the Virgin Mary’s parents and Jesus’s grandparents. Pope Francis reminds us, “In their home, Mary came into the world, accompanied by the extraordinary mystery of the Immaculate Conception. Mary grew up in the home of Joachim and Anne; she was surrounded by their love…
Read MoreListen to Our Founder Catherine Wiley feature on The Portal Magazine and Podcast
Join us for the Ordinariate Portal Podcast on the Eighth Sunday after Trinity with our guest Speaker Catherine Wiley from the Catholic Grandparents Association.
Read MoreParticipants in World Grandparents Day granted Plenary Indulgence
Visiting the elderly is a source of reconciliation and forgiveness Plenary Indulgence to those who participate in the World Day for the Grandparents and the Elderly, or whom visit the elderly that are alone Also on the occasion for the 4th World day for Grandparents and the Elderly, which will be celebrated on the 28th of July…
Read MoreGrandparents Help their Grandchildren to go to School in India – Can you help us?
All welcome to Knock for World Day for Grandparents and Elderly on 28 July
On Sunday 28 July, the World Day for Grandparents and Elderly will be marked with the annual national grandparents’ pilgrimage to the Shrine of our Lady of Knock in the Archdiocese of Tuam. The chief celebrant for Mass in the Basilica at 3.00pm will be His Excellency the Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland, Archbishop Luis Mariano…
Read MorePope’s July prayer intention: For pastoral care of the sick
Pope Francis releases his prayer intention for the month of July, and invites Christians to pray that the Church might show God’s closeness to people enduring illness. By Devin Watkins “Let us pray that the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick grant the Lord’s strength to those who receive it and to their loved…
Read MoreJuly 2024 Faith Café
Our next Faith Cafe will be held on Tuesday 9th July Guest Speaker: Bishop Denis Nulty Theme: “The lessons I learned from Gran Gran” Bishop Denis Nulty was ordained Bishop of the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin on 4th August 2013. Denis Nulty was born in Slane, Co Meath on 7th June 1963 to parents Den Nulty…
Read MoreVisit to Gibraltar by the founder of the Catholic Grandparents Association
14th June 2024 Chairwoman of Catholic Grandparents Association (Gibraltar) Mrs Rosemarie Isola welcomed Mrs Catherine Wiley, the movement’s founder, with visits held at Prior Park (on Thursday) and Loreto Convent (Friday) schools. Grandparents, teachers and pupils were present for both visits. Mrs Wiley was also present at the Corpus Christi Mass and Procession held on…
Read MoreMeeting for those responsible for The Pastoral Care of The Elderly in The Episcopal Conferences
Catherine Wiley – The Founder of The CGA attended a webinar for The Pastoral Care of The Elderly in The Episcopal Conferences – Rome DO NOT CAST ME OFF IN MY OLD AGE It is perhaps self-evident, to state that to be a grandparent is not simply a matter of fact borne out of biological…
Read MorePope: The elderly are the ‘firm foundation’ of the future
In his Message for the Fourth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, which will take place on 28 July 2024, Pope Francis recognizes the situation of many elderly people today, and assures them: “God never abandons His children, never.” By Sr. Francine-Marie Cooper, ISSM “Do not cast me off in my old age” (cf.…
Read MorePope Francis’ Message for the Fourth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
Rediscovering fraternity, building bonds, and living a Day without loneliness: pastoral guidelines from the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life Pope Francis’ Message on the occasion of the Fourth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly was published today. The Fourth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will be celebrated on 28 July and…
Read MoreADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS
Paul VI Audience HallSaturday, 27 April 2024 “THE CARESS AND THE SMILE”MEETING OF POPE FRANCIS WITH GRANDPARENTS, THE ELDERLY AND GRANDCHILDREN,ORGANIZED BY THE FONDAZIONE ETÀ GRANDE (OLD AGE FOUNDATION) Dear grandparents and dear grandchildren, good morning and welcome! I greet Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia and all those who have collaborated to organize this moment of celebration. And particular thanks…
Read MorePope’s May Prayer Intention: For the formation of men and women religious
Pope Francis releases his prayer intention for the month of May: For the formation of men and women religious and for seminarians. In his video message, the Pope emphasises the ongoing development of their vocations through grace, prayer, community, and witness to the Gospel. By Francesca Merlo This May, Pope Francis has invited us to…
Read MoreKnock Summer Schedule 2024
Weekday & Saturday Mass Times 9am Parish Church12 noon Basilica3pm Basilica with Anointing of the Sick7.30pm Parish Church (Rosary at 7pm) Adoration on weekdays 9am – 6.30pm Blessed Sacrament Chapel7pm – 9pm Apparition Chapel with evening prayer at 8.30pm Stations of…
Read MoreOur next Faith Cafe will be held on Tuesday 14th May
Guest Speaker: Dr Christine Ward Theme: Theology of the Body: Identity Dr Christine Ward Christine completed an MA through the Maryvale Institute in Birmingham in 2011 and completed her PhD also through Maryvale in 2017. She teaches the Christian Anthropology and Sexual Ethics modules for the Master’s programme at Maryvale and for 2 years, lectured…
Read MoreLife: My Story Through History: Pope Francis’s Inspiring Biography Through History
A new book about Pope Francis’ life, authored by Fabio Marchese Ragona, will be published by HarperCollins in countries throughout Europe and the Americas in the spring of 2024, featuring personal events from his life and the great events that have marked the 20th century up to the present day. By Vatican News
Read MoreJoin us for Holy Week!
At the heart of our Christian Faith is the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These saving events that we commemorate and participate in during the Sacred Liturgy of Holy Week are the reason we call it ‘the Great Week.’ Mary is helping us to make this journey together as we walk with her…
Read MoreHoly Week and Easter Ceremonies 2024
Pope’s March prayer intention: For the martyrs of our day
Pope Francis releases his prayer intention for March, asking for prayers for the martyrs of our day, and recalling a story he was told by a widowed Muslim man who recounted the martyrdom of his Christian wife as she defied terrorists. By Francesca Merlo “For the martyrs of our day, witnesses to Christ”. In the…
Read MorePope Francis releases the theme for his message for the 2024 World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly: “Do not cast me off in my old age”.
‘Loneliness’ at heart of Pope’s theme for 4th Grandparents Day By Devin Watkins On Sunday, July 28, Catholics around the world will be invited to take time to reflect on the great heritage and wisdom passed on by their grandparents and the elderly. In preparation for the 4th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, the…
Read MorePope Francis: Lent is a time of conversion and freedom
In his message for Lent 2024, Pope Francis invites the faithful to “pause” for prayer and to assist our brothers and sisters in need, in order to change our own lives and the lives of our communities. By Christopher Wells – Vatican News “When our God reveals Himself, His message is always one of freedom,”…
Read MoreThe CGA Ministry at Prince of Peace, Houston, Texas
Pictured Left to right – Jane Chaya, Marilyn Henry (CGA International Ministry Coordinator), Sheila Lum The CGA Ministry at Prince of Peace, Houston, Texas, was invited to exhibit at the Diocese of Galveston/Houston’s “Conference on Aging” sponsored by the Office on Aging. Attendees were invited to write the names of their grandchildren in the Ministry’s…
Read MoreOur next Faith Cafe will be held on Tuesday 13th February
Guest Speaker: Kimberly Hahn Theme: Grace-Filled Grandparenting – How to Share Our Love and God’s Love with the Next Generation. Kimberly Hahn is the Co-Founder and Trustee for the St. Paul Center , an apostolate dedicated to teaching Catholics to read Scripture from the heart of the Church. She has been married to Scott for forty-four years.…
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