The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will be celebrated for the third time in 2023 on Sunday 23 July – the Sunday closest to the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, Grandparents of Jesus. The theme chosen by Pope Francis for this year’s celebration is: “His mercy is from age to age” (Luke 1:50).
This new worldwide celebration in the Universal Church calendar is a momentous achievement for Grandparents and the Elderly and will hopefully reassure them that they are loved and that they are needed.
The Catholic Grandparents Association has been at the forefront in campaigning for a greater recognition of Grandparents for their role and vocation in passing on their faith to the next generation. The National Grandparents’ Pilgrimage will take place in Knock on Sunday 23 July to coincide with this global celebration of grandparents and the elderly. The Principal Celebrant and Homilist will be Bishop Denis Nulty, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin and Chair of the Bishops’ Council for Marriage and the Family. Music will be by the combined choirs of Knock Shrine who will be joined by Dana for ‘Lady of Knock’ and her new hymn ‘Light the Flame’.
Ceremonies will commence at 2.30pm in Knock Basilica, with Anointing of the Sick. Concelebrated Mass will take place at 3pm, followed by Eucharistic Blessing and outdoor Rosary procession (weather permitting). For those unable to attend in person, Mass will be livestreamed on the Knock Shrine website and Facebook page.
All are welcome for this wonderful celebration of family and faith through the generations.
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