PRESS RELEASE: Archbishop Eamon Martin to lead National Grandparents Pilgrimage at Knock, 26 July
Catholic Grandparents Association
Helping to pass on the faith and keep prayer at the heart of family life
National Grandparents Pilgrimage to Knock to Celebrate World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly 2026
Archbishop Eamon Martin will be Principal Celebrant for the Mass on 26 July as pilgrims gather around Pope Leo XIV’s theme, “I Will Never Forget You”.
Pilgrims gather at Knock Shrine, Co. Mayo, for the Catholic Grandparents Association’s National Grandparents Pilgrimage. Photo: Catholic Grandparents Association
The Catholic Grandparents Association (CGA) is delighted to announce details of the National Grandparents Pilgrimage and celebration of the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly 2026 at Knock Shrine on Sunday 26th July 2026.
The Principal Celebrant for the Mass will be Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh, President of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
The ceremonies will begin in the Basilica with Anointing of the Sick at 2.30pm followed by the Celebration of the Eucharist for the Sixth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly at 3.00pm. The theme chosen by Pope Leo XIV for this year’s celebration is: ‘I will never forget you’ (Is 49:15).
Commenting on this year’s World Day, Catherine Wiley, Founder of the CGA, said:
“I warmly welcome this year’s theme for the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, which reminds us of the invaluable gift that older people are to our families, our Church, and our communities. Grandparents and the elderly are living witnesses of faith, hope, and love, and their presence enriches every generation.
“On behalf of the CGA, I invite grandparents, families, and people of all ages to join us at Knock Shrine on 26th July for the celebration of the Mass for the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. Together with Archbishop Eamon Martin, we will give thanks for the wisdom, faith, and enduring contribution of our older generations and pray that they may always be cherished, respected, and included in the life of the Church and society.
“We look forward to welcoming pilgrims from across Ireland and beyond to Knock for this special day of prayer, thanksgiving, and celebration.”
The pilgrimage Mass will feature choirs and music directed by Una Nolan and special guest Dana. Weather permitting, there will be a Rosary Procession through the grounds of Knock Shrine after the Mass. Pilgrims are encouraged to check locally for buses travelling to Knock on the day and to allow plenty of time.
For more information see www.catholicgrandparentsassociation.org.
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Notes to Editors
The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, established by Pope Francis in 2021, is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of July and is an opportunity to bring the Church closer to the elderly and to value their contribution to families and communities.
This year, the date coincides with the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, Sunday 26 July, and the Holy Father has invited everyone to celebrate the Day with a Eucharistic liturgy in the Cathedral Church of each diocese.
About the Catholic Grandparents Association
Founded by Catherine Wiley, the Catholic Grandparents Association helps families to pass on the faith and to keep prayer at the heart of family life. It supports and celebrates the role of grandparents and the elderly in passing on the faith to younger generations, and promotes the annual World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. The Association is based at Murrisk, Westport, Co. Mayo, Ireland, and its work reaches grandparents and families across the world.
Media Contact
Catholic Grandparents Association
Email: info@catholicgrandparentsassociation.com
Web: www.catholicgrandparentsassociation.org
Catholic Grandparents Association
Passing on the Faith and Keeping Prayer at the Heart of Family Life
Murrisk, Westport, Co. Mayo, Ireland