Dear Friend,

This coming Sunday, July 27, is the Fifth World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly as proclaimed by Pope Leo. 

In his message, the Holy Father writes: 

As elderly persons, we can hope

“The Book of Sirach calls blessed those who have not lost hope (cf. 14:2). Perhaps, especially if our lives are long, we may be tempted to look not to the future but to the past. Yet, as Pope Francis wrote during his last hospitalization, “our bodies are weak, but even so, nothing can prevent us from loving, praying, giving ourselves, being there for one another, in faith, as shining signs of hope” (Angelus, 16 March 2025). We possess a freedom that no difficulty can rob us of: it is the freedom to love and to pray. Everyone, always, can love and pray.

Our affection for our loved ones – for the wife or husband with whom we have spent so much of our lives, for our children, for our grandchildren who brighten our days – does not fade when our strength wanes. Indeed, their own affection often revives our energy and brings us hope and comfort.”

Read the entire message here.

For this joyful occasion, the Holy Father has granted Plenary Indulgences to grandparents, the elderly, those who are disabled and all the faithful who, “motivated by a true spirit of penance and charity”, participate in the various functions to be held for the Day throughout the world.

Additionally, in order to receive the Plenary Indulgence, the following conditions must be met: 

• Confess one’s sins to be in God’s grace, (either 8 days before or after July 27)
• Attend Holy Mass and receive Holy Communion on Sunday, July 27
• Pray, in particular:
  For the intentions of the Pope (The Creed, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be)
• Renounce all attachment to sin, even venial sin 

Gaining a Plenary Indulgence is significant because it is the remission of the punishment for all sins committed from the day of baptism. This indulgence can be applied to any deceased person you wish but it cannot be applied to any living person, except yourself.

The Apostolic Penitentiary extends the same Plenary Indulgence to those who dedicate significant time to visit—either in-person or by virtual means of communication—their elderly brothers and sisters who are in need or facing difficulties, such as the sick, abandoned, and those with disabilities.

The Plenary Indulgence may also be granted to the elderly who are sick and all those who are unable to leave their homes for a serious reason. In such cases, they are instructed to unite themselves spiritually to the sacred functions of the World Day, offering their prayers, pains or sufferings to God, especially during the various celebrations which will be broadcast through the media.

It is important to note the indulgence requires that the faithful maintain detachment from sin and intend to fulfill the conditions noted above as soon as possible.

In the Decree, the Apostolic Penitentiary urges priests authorized to hear confessions to make themselves available with a generous spirit for the celebration of the Sacrament of Penance.

Let us make a special effort this Sunday, to show our love, gratitude and respect for our grandparents (if living), the elderly and the disabled, that we know and encounter, and learn from their wisdom. But most of all, take the time to look into their eyes, earnestly listen and give them your undivided attention. For our grandparents who have died, we should remember to pray for the repose of their souls, that God grant them eternal rest.

Thank you to all who have joined me in praying the Novena to Saint Anne. 

May Saint Anne, the merciful mother, continue to intercede for all your intentions. 

Yours in the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary,

Thomas J. McKenna 
Founder and President

Catholic Action For Faith And Family
https://www.catholicaction.org/

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