Catholic grandparents day 2025
In a world that often rushes forward at an unrelenting pace, taking time to honor the generations that came before us is not just meaningful—it’s essential. One beautiful opportunity to do just that is Catholic Grandparents Day, a special celebration that acknowledges the invaluable role grandparents play in the lives of their families and the broader Catholic community. In 2025, Catholic Grandparents Day will be observed on Sunday, July 27, aligning closely with the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus.
This day is more than just a calendar event. It is a time to reflect, celebrate, and express deep gratitude for the faith, wisdom, and love that grandparents pass on to their children and grandchildren. Let’s explore the meaning of Catholic Grandparents Day, its origins, spiritual importance, and how families can observe it in 2025.
The Origins of Catholic Grandparents Day
Catholic Grandparents Day is a relatively recent addition to the liturgical and devotional life of the Church, but it is deeply rooted in tradition. The inspiration for the celebration came from Catherine Wiley, founder of the Catholic Grandparents Association (CGA), which began in Ireland in the early 2000s. Wiley recognized that grandparents were often the unsung heroes of family life—guardians of tradition, faith, and love. She began advocating for a formal recognition of their contributions.
In 2021, Pope Francis officially instituted the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, celebrated annually on the fourth Sunday of July, close to the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne—the grandparents of Jesus. This initiative gave a global and spiritual framework to what Catholic families had long practiced informally: honoring grandparents not just with love, but with prayer and reflection on their role in God’s plan.
Saints Joachim and Anne: Grandparents of Jesus
Central to Catholic Grandparents Day is the celebration of Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and thus the grandparents of Jesus Christ. Though not mentioned in the canonical Scriptures, their story is preserved through Church tradition and apocryphal texts like the Protoevangelium of James. They are venerated as holy examples of parental devotion and faithful living.
By aligning Grandparents Day with their feast, the Church emphasizes that grandparents are not only familial figures, but also spiritual ones—people who help nurture and transmit faith through generations.
Why Catholic Grandparents Matter
Grandparents often serve as spiritual anchors for their families. They are the storytellers of family history and the keepers of cultural and religious traditions. Many Catholics today recall how it was a grandparent who first taught them to pray the rosary, brought them to Mass, or passed down treasured stories of the saints.
In a 2022 message for the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, Pope Francis wrote:
“Grandparents need young people, and young people need grandparents: they must talk to each other, they must encounter one another!”
This intergenerational relationship is crucial for building a strong Church and a healthy society. Grandparents model the virtues of patience, perseverance, humility, and above all, faith—virtues especially needed in today’s fast-paced world.
Theme for Catholic Grandparents Day 2025
Although the official theme for the 2025 World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly has not yet been announced as of this writing, the Vatican typically offers a yearly theme inspired by Scripture or papal teaching. Previous themes have included “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20) and “His mercy is from age to age” (Luke 1:50). These messages reinforce the enduring presence of God across generations.
Whatever the official theme may be in 2025, the focus remains consistent: to honor the elderly and recognize their vital role in transmitting the Catholic faith and building a loving, faith-filled family life.
How to Celebrate Catholic Grandparents Day in 2025
Here are some meaningful ways to observe Catholic Grandparents Day in 2025, both spiritually and practically:
1. Attend or Offer a Special Mass
Many parishes host a special Mass for grandparents and the elderly. Families can invite grandparents to attend, or even offer the Mass intention in their honor—whether living or deceased.
2. Prayer and Blessings
Take time as a family to pray for grandparents. The Catholic Grandparents Association offers special prayers for this occasion. Priests may also offer a blessing for grandparents during or after Mass.
3. Faith Sharing
Encourage grandparents to share their faith stories—how they encountered God, how their faith helped them through difficult times, and what they hope to pass on. This can be a powerful family bonding activity.
4. Acts of Service and Love
Young people can show love through letters, handmade cards, or simple visits. If grandparents are in nursing homes or unable to attend church, consider visiting them with Holy Communion or arranging a video call.
5. Celebrate the Legacy
Create a “faith family tree” that maps out the spiritual legacy of your family—sacraments received, saints loved, devotions practiced. Honor the role of grandparents in cultivating that legacy.
6. Start a New Tradition
Whether it’s a rosary walk, a special dinner, or a storytelling night, begin a new family tradition that puts grandparents at the heart of your celebration each year.
For Those Without Grandparents
For those whose grandparents have passed away, this day is an opportunity to pray for their souls and reflect on their memory. You might visit their grave, light a candle, or share stories about them.
The day also invites us to connect with spiritual grandparents—elderly members of the parish, mentors, godparents, or neighbors who have offered wisdom and guidance over the years. It’s a day for honoring all the elders who have shaped our spiritual journey.
