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Caring for grandparents and the elderly, in fact, is not only a duty of gratitude and affection, but a necessity for building a more humane and fraternal society. The Holy Father invites us to recognize their value in transmitting faith and hope to the new generations and to do so in a way that is not a one-time event, rather a permanent one. That is, it is not a matter of celebrating our elderly loved ones once a year, but of making them feel as an integral part of our Christian family and our common history. After all, in many places in the world they are the point of reference for communities and the keepers of memories. Within our communities, therefore, a change of mentality is necessary, overcoming those prejudices that make the elderly appear as passive and useless people and getting used to a pastoral care marked by reciprocity and sharing.
The third World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, which will be celebrated on July 23, 2023, will have the theme, "His mercy is from age to age" (Lk 1: 50). This verse reminds us that God's mercy is manifested in history through the testimonies of those who have experienced it and passed it on to their children and grandchildren. Grandparents and the elderly are
called to carry this mercy, to tell through words and life how God has been faithful to His promises and how He continues to love His people. They are also called to receive God's mercy, and to allow themselves to be comforted by His fatherly love that never abandons them. The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly is an occasion to once again express with joy that the Church wants to celebrate together with those whom the Lord -- as the Bible says -- has given “a full life”. (Indicazioni Pastorali GMNA 23)
The Catholic Church will grant a plenary indulgence to all the faithful who will be attending the Mass on July 23 with Pope Francis, or a local Grandparents' Day celebration, or on this same day "devote adequate time to visiting, in person or virtually, their elderly brothers and sisters in need or in difficulty (such as the sick, the abandoned, the disabled...)". The usual conditions for receiving a Plenary Indulgence also apply - sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion, and praying for the Pope's intentions.
