PRESS 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 Palazzola, south of Rome.
Convened just days before the Jubilee for Families, Grandparents and the Elderly
(May 30 – June 1), the groundbreaking event brought together participants from around the world to celebrate and renew the unique vocation of grandparents and older members of the Church.
The four-day conference served as a platform for spiritual renewal, reflection, and dialogue, with the goal of revitalizing the role of grandparents and the elderly within the life of the Church. Attendees engaged in meaningful discussions on intergenerational faith transmission, community-building, and discerning their place in the synodal journey of the Church. Mr Eamon McDonnel pictured from Navan County also got to meet our beloved Holy Father Pope Leo XIV on the groups Wednesday visit to The Vatican.
“This inaugural international gathering was a moment of grace and purpose,” said Catherine Wiley, Founder of the Catholic Grandparents Association. “It affirmed the vital contribution of grandparents and the elderly to the Church’s mission and laid the foundation for a renewed global movement of faith, unity, and witness.”
Speakers included Cardinal Wilfred Napier OFM, Archbishop Emeritus of Durban, South Africa; Archbishop Gilbert Garcera, Archbishop, Lipa, Philippines and Chairman of the Office for Laity and Family; Catherine Wiley, founder of The Catholic Grandparents Association; Prof. Gabriella Gambino, undersecretary of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life; Fr Keith Chappell, qualitative sociologist of religion in UK, Roy and Malee San Buenaventura, National Couple Coordinator of the CGA in the Philippines; Mr. Vittorio Scelzo of the dicastery of the laity, of the family and of life and director of the Office for the Elderly and Children.
The Catholic Grandparents Association continues to champion the spiritual role of grandparents worldwide, promoting their mission to keep prayer at the heart of family life and to pass on the faith to future generations.
