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Grandparents Lenten Calendar 2026: Connecting Generations Through Prayer · Scripture · Service · Story
This year, the Catholic Grandparents Association has created A Grandparent’s Lenten Calendar 2026 — a beautiful, practical companion for the final and most sacred weeks of Lent, from St. Patrick’s Day (17 March) through to Easter Sunday (5 April). It is designed not just for your own personal prayer, but as a bridge between your heart and the hearts of your Grandchildren.
Read MoreHighlights from the March 2026 Grandparents Faith Café
The Grandparents’ Faith Café welcomed Tara Rafter with the theme: “I Will Never Forget You”
On Tuesday, 10 March 2026, Grandparents from across the world gathered online for the monthly Grandparents Faith Café, hosted by the Catholic Grandparents Association. The theme for this beautiful evening was drawn from Pope Francis’ message for the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly: “I Will Never Forget You” — words that speak to the heart of everything Grandparents are and do.
Our keynote speaker was Tara Rafter, a Master NLP Practitioner, Executive Coach, and Motivational Speaker from the west of Ireland — and the proud EVOKE Irish Life Coach of the Year 2025. Tara brought warmth, wisdom, and practical insight in equal measure, drawing on eight years of work with clients across all walks of life.
Read MoreWalking With Our Grandchildren: San Gabriel Valley Chapter Prays the Stations of the Cross
February 15, 2026 | Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, California There is something profoundly beautiful about walking the path of Christ’s Passion alongside the ones we love most. On Sunday, February 15, 2026 — the day after Ash Wednesday ushered in the sacred season of Lent — the San Gabriel Valley Chapter of…
Read MoreA New Shepherd for Westminster: Archbishop Richard Moth Installed as the Twelfth Archbishop
February 14, 2026 | Westminster Cathedral, London On a day already rich with meaning — the Feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius, co-Patrons of Europe, and the eve of the Lenten season — the Catholic Church in England and Wales welcomed a new shepherd. On Saturday, February 14, 2026, the Most Reverend Richard Moth was…
Read MoreFaith Café on Tuesday the 10th of February
The Grandparents’ Faith Café welcomes David Quinn with the theme: “Does Gen Z Have a Future Without Religion?”
We begin 2026 with a Faith Café of exceptional importance—one that speaks directly to the future of our grandchildren and the future of the Church itself. We strongly encourage you not to miss this Faith Café, as it will help us better understand the challenges facing Gen Z and how Grandparents can respond with faith, hope, and courage.
David Quinn is a well-known journalist in Ireland who specialises in religious and social affairs. He has been a national newspaper columnist since 1994 and currently writes weekly columns for both The Sunday Independent and The Irish Catholic. He served as editor of The Irish Catholic from 1996 to 2003 and later as Social and Religious Affairs Correspondent for The Irish Independent from 2003 to 2006.
He is the founder and head of The Iona Institute, a Christian research and advocacy organisation established in 2007, dedicated to promoting the dignity of the family, the sanctity of life, and freedom of religion in an increasingly secular world.
Read MoreOur next Faith Cafe will be held on Tuesday the 10th of February
The Grandparents’ Faith Café welcomes David Quinn with the theme: “Does Gen Z Have a Future Without Religion?”
We begin 2026 with a Faith Café of exceptional importance—one that speaks directly to the future of our grandchildren and the future of the Church itself. We strongly encourage you not to miss this Faith Café, as it will help us better understand the challenges facing Gen Z and how Grandparents can respond with faith, hope, and courage.
David Quinn is a well-known journalist in Ireland who specialises in religious and social affairs. He has been a national newspaper columnist since 1994 and currently writes weekly columns for both The Sunday Independent and The Irish Catholic. He served as editor of The Irish Catholic from 1996 to 2003 and later as Social and Religious Affairs Correspondent for The Irish Independent from 2003 to 2006.
He is the founder and head of The Iona Institute, a Christian research and advocacy organisation established in 2007, dedicated to promoting the dignity of the family, the sanctity of life, and freedom of religion in an increasingly secular world.
Read MoreOur next Faith Cafe will be held on Tuesday the 13th of January
The Grandparents’ Faith Café welcomes David Quinn with the theme: “Does Gen Z Have a Future Without Religion?”
We begin 2026 with a Faith Café of exceptional importance—one that speaks directly to the future of our grandchildren and the future of the Church itself. We strongly encourage you not to miss this Faith Café, as it will help us better understand the challenges facing Gen Z and how Grandparents can respond with faith, hope, and courage.
David Quinn is a well-known journalist in Ireland who specialises in religious and social affairs. He has been a national newspaper columnist since 1994 and currently writes weekly columns for both The Sunday Independent and The Irish Catholic. He served as editor of The Irish Catholic from 1996 to 2003 and later as Social and Religious Affairs Correspondent for The Irish Independent from 2003 to 2006.
He is the founder and head of The Iona Institute, a Christian research and advocacy organisation established in 2007, dedicated to promoting the dignity of the family, the sanctity of life, and freedom of religion in an increasingly secular world.
Read MoreMay this Christmas bring joy to your home, peace to your days, and Christ to your heart.
A Christmas Greeting:
May this Christmas bring joy to your home,
peace to your days, and Christ to your heart.
As we celebrate His birth, may we be humbled by His love
and strengthened in our faith.
Wishing you a holy, happy, and hope-filled Christmas.
With Love and Prayers,
Catherine Wiley
& The Catholic Grandparents Association Team
Giving Tuesday: Supporting Grandparents Who Pass on the Faith
Giving Tuesday is not only about money.
It is also about giving time, prayer, love, and support.
As a voluntary organisation, we rely entirely on the kindness and generosity of members and friends around the world.
When you give to CGA, you are supporting the future of faith for children and grandchildren.
Read MoreOur next Faith Cafe will be held on Tuesday 9th December
The Grandparents’ Faith Café welcomes Joan Lewis with the theme: “Christmas at the Vatican”.
A respected Vatican journalist and author, Joan has spent over four decades covering the Church from the heart of Rome. She served as the English-language writer and editor for the Vatican Information Service (VIS) from 1990 to 2005, and was appointed EWTN’s first Rome Bureau Chief later that year—a role she held until 2017.
Read MoreOur next Faith Cafe will be held on Tuesday 11th November
Guest Speaker: Cardinal Wilfred Napier Theme: “Absent Fathers and their Effect on Families and Society“ 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…
Read MoreOur next Faith Cafe will be held on Tuesday 14th October
Guest Speaker: Lorene Hanley Duquin Theme: “How Grandparents can Help when Bad Things Happen“ Lorene Hanley Duquin is a Catholic author and lecturer, who has worked in parishes and on a diocesan level. She has conducted webinars and workshops on a variety of evangelization and stewardship topics in parishes and at national and diocesan conferences…
Read MorePRESS RELEASE: Over 5,000 Gather at Knock Shrine for the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly and the National Grandparents Pilgrimage
Knock, Co. Mayo – On Sunday, 27 July 2025 — the feast day of Saint Joachim and Saint Anne, Grandparents of Jesus — more than 5,000 Grandparents, elderly faithful, and families filled the Basilica at the Shrine of Our Lady of Knock to celebrate the 5th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly and the National Grandparents Pilgrimage, organized by the Catholic Grandparents…
Read MoreCelebrating the 5th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
Happy 5th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly!
Read MoreGrandparents are the Key to passing on the faith – Catherine Wiley
Celebrating the first International Conference for Catholic Grandparents and the Elderly.
Read MorePRESS RELEASE the First International Conference for Catholic grandparents and the elderly
The Catholic Grandparents Association Hosts Inaugural International Conference in Rome Ahead of Jubilee for Families, Grandparents and the Elderly Rome, Italy — May 29, 2025 — The Catholic Grandparents Association (CGA) proudly concluded its first-ever International Conference for Catholic Grandparents and the Elderly, held from May 25 to May 28, 2025, at the historic Villa…
Read MorePope Leo XIV’s motto and coat of arms
Pope Leo XIV reveals his coat of arms and motto, which clearly reflect his Augustinian roots. By Vatican News Pope Leo XIV’s coat of arms offers a clear reflection of his Augustinian roots and the values he seeks to promote during his pontificate, particularly unity and communion within the Church. The shield is divided diagonally…
Read MoreThe CGA offers heartfelt congratulations and prayers to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on his election as Supreme Pontiff.
The Catholic Grandparents Association offers heartfelt congratulations and prayers to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on his election as Supreme Pontiff. As Grandparents and the Elderly throughout the world rejoice, we pledge our faithful prayers and support for our Holy Father. We commit to serving him and journeying with him and our church as pilgrims…
Read MoreWe welcome you to leave your thoughts, prayers, and cherished memories
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…
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