Today Pope Frances will celebrate mass in Rome for all grandparents. Let us pray and give thanks for our grandparents and all older people. For details about the Catholic Association of Grandparents
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 the 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.
Lord Jesus, help families and society to value the presence and role of grandparents.
May they never be ignored or excluded, but always encounter respect and love.
Help them to live serenely and to feel welcomed
in all the years of life which you give them
Mary, Mother of all the living, keep grandparents constantly in your care,
accompany them on their earthly pilgrimage,
and by your prayers, grant that all families
may one day be reunited in our heavenly homeland,
where you await all humanity for the great
embrace of life without end. Amen
Pope Benedict XVI
