The theme for “World Day For Grandparents and the Elderly” in 2023 is “His mercy is from age to age”. In the United States, this “World Day” will be celebrated on September 10, 2023.

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In 2021, Pope Francis established a “World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly”, to take place each year on the fourth Sunday in July. This date was chosen because it is close to the feast day of Sts. Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. The bishops in the United States transferred the celebration to the Sunday in September after Labor Day (see the USCCB website).

Plenary Indulgence

In 2021 and 2022, Plenary Indulgence could be gained by those who participate in the World Day for Grandparents and Elderly by reaching out to an elderly person. Download the flyer (links are to the Diocese of Fargo website):

2022 Indulgence
Flyer (in color) 2022 Indulgence
Flyer (Black & White)

Catechesis on Old Age

In 2022, Pope Francis’ Wednesday audience catecheses were reflections on old age. The 18 talks are available online from the Vatican website. It has also been compiled into a downloadable PDF document for those who do not have access to or prefer not to read the texts on a web browser:

Pope Francis’
Catechesis on Old Age

For additional resources, visit the Diocese of Fargo World Day For Grandparents and the Elderly page.