Catholic Grandparents Association
World Day for Grandparents & the Elderly
2026
Sunday 26 July 2026 · Feast of Saints Joachim & Anne
Pope Francis established the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, to be celebrated each year on the fourth Sunday of July. It has been marked:
- First time Sunday 25 July 2021
- Second time Sunday 24 July 2022
- Third time Sunday 23 July 2023
- Fourth time Sunday 28 July 2024
- Fifth time Sunday 27 July 2025 (7 September 2025 in the USA)
- Sixth time Sunday 26 July 2026 (13 September 2026 in the USA) This year
This year’s celebration falls on the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the Grandparents of Jesus. The theme chosen by Pope Leo XIV is:
Is 49:15
The Catholic Grandparents Association has been at the forefront in campaigning for greater recognition of Grandparents for their role and vocation in passing on the faith to the next generation. The announcement of a Church-wide celebration for Grandparents and the Elderly came in answer to our prayerful request to the Holy Father, Pope Francis.
This worldwide celebration in the Universal Church calendar is a momentous achievement for Grandparents and the Elderly, and we hope it reassures them that they are loved and that they are needed.
We invite you to join us in marking this momentous day in your parish. We are delighted to offer a whole suite of resources and ideas to help you make it a wonderful celebration for all.
Resources & Ideas to Celebrate
Our 2026 World Day resources are being updated now. The materials linked below are from the 2025 World Day and will be refreshed as the new 2026 versions are released. Please check back soon — and watch the latest news section of this site for updates.
Planning & Resource Materials
- International CGA Planning & Resource Materials for the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly 2025
- CGA Emblem for the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
- USA CGA Planning & Resource Materials for the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly 2025 — September 7, 2025
- Resources from the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life 2025
Messages & Catechesis of the Holy Father
Earlier messages & catechesis (2021–2025)
- Pope Francis’ Message for the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly 2025
- Pope Francis’ Message for the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly 2024
- Pope Francis’ Message for the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly 2023
- Pope Francis’ Message for the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly 2022
- Pope Francis’ Message for the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly 2021
- Pope Francis’ Catechesis on the meaning and value of old age
Prayers & Liturgical Resources
Suggested Events & Activities
Light a Candle
In gratitude for, and in remembrance of, all Grandparents and the elderly in our communities. Join us at church and at home.
Plant a Tree
In memory of a Grandparent or elderly family member.
Plant a Memorial Garden
Plant a Grandparents or St. Joachim & St. Anne memorial garden.
“Act of Love” Card
A keepsake card for children to write promises or notes to their Grandparents — a simple way to express thanks and devotion to their Grandparents and the elderly.
Spiritual Bouquet Card
A card for Grandparents, families, and grandchildren to offer prayers of gratitude for Priests, Deacons, and religious — and to nurture hope for future vocations.
Pray for Vocations
Pray for seminarians, religious vocations, and the Church (Priests, Nuns, Deacons, and lay faithful), inviting children and grandchildren to discern their own calling.
“Peace Offering” Card
Send or give a Grandparent or elderly person a simple, prayerful card to bring peace between generations.
Start a Prayer Chain
Enlist a group to be part of a Prayer Chain — people committed to praying for a specific intention for a set period of time. Contact can be by phone or online.
Hold an Essay Contest
For pre-teens and teens. Choose a theme, for example: “How have your parents, Grandparents, or a significant adult in your life influenced your faith? How do you influence others?”
Children’s Prayer Appeal
Invite children in schools or parishes to compose prayers in honour of their Grandparents. These are presented at the Offertory during Pilgrimage Masses.
Book of Remembrance
Create a Book of Remembrance and offer Forget-Me-Not flowers in memory of Grandparents and the elderly.
Start a Ministry for Grandparents
Contact us to find out about starting a Ministry for Grandparents in your parish — you could launch it on the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly!
Additional Resources
- Poster for your church or parish centre noticeboard
- Social media and web visual to promote the day
- The Grandparents’ Faith Café
National Grandparents Pilgrimage
Join Us at Knock — Sunday 26 July 2026
Each year the Catholic Grandparents Association gathers at Knock Shrine for the National Grandparents Pilgrimage and Mass for the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly — this year with Principal Celebrant Archbishop Eamon Martin and special guest Dana. All are warmly welcome.
Please check back here regularly — these resources are being developed for 2026, between now and Sunday 26 July 2026. Please also see the latest news section of this site for events and initiatives from around the world. Questions? Email info@catholicgrandparentsassociation.org