Father Behr writes:

Dear Parishioners,

Sunday July 25: Pope Francis has instituted a World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. Identifying with the more senior members of our society, he says “The whole Church is close to you – to us – and cares about you, loves you and does not want to leave you alone!” You can read the whole message here.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols has made a video about the special day.

Saints Joachim and Ann by Fillippino Litti 1497

There is a YouTube film here from Canon Christopher Whitehead telling the story of St Joachim and St Anne, the grandparents of Jesus.

Lord Jesus,
you were born of the Virgin Mary.

the daughter of Saints Joachim and Anne.

Look with love on grandparents the world over.

Protect them! They are a source of enrichment for families, for the Church and for all of society.

Support them as they grow older.

May they continue to be for their families strong pillars of Gospel faith,

guardians of noble domestic ideals, living treasuries of sound religious traditions.

Make them teachers of wisdom and courage,

that they may pass on to future generations the fruits of their mature human and spiritual experience.

 Best wishes,  Father Behr