It is taken from Psalm 71, the theme chosen by Pope Francis for the IV World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly to be celebrated on Sunday, July 28, 2024, and which was announced today by the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family, and life. Cardinal Farrell: It is necessary to build together the “we” of ecclesial communion to overcome all forms of throwaway culture.

On Sunday, July 28, 2024, the IV World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly will be celebrated. The theme chosen by the Holy Father, “In old age do not abandon me” (cf. Ps 71:9), aims to underline how loneliness is, unfortunately, the bitter companion in the lives of so many elderly people who are often victims of the throwaway culture. This is reported in a statement from the Dicastery for the Laity, Family, and Life.

In the year of preparation for the Jubilee, which the Holy Father wanted to dedicate to prayer, – informs the dicastery – the theme of the Day is taken from Psalm 71, the invocation of an old man who tells the story of his friendship with God.

By valuing the charisms of grandparents and the elderly and their contribution to the life of the Church, the celebration of the Day aims to encourage the commitment of the entire ecclesial community in building links between generations and in the fight against loneliness, aware that – as Scripture states – “It is not fitting for man to be alone” (Gen 2:18).

Card. Farrell: Loneliness afflicts many elderlies

“Loneliness is an unfortunately widespread reality, which afflicts many elderly people, often victims of the throwaway culture and considered a burden on society”, therefore “families and the ecclesial community are called to be on the front line in “the promotion of the culture of encounter, to create spaces to share, to listen, to offer support and affection: this is how the love of the Gospel becomes concrete.” These are the words of the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, commenting on the theme chosen by the Pope for World Day.

God never abandons anyone

“Our communities, Farrell concludes, with their tenderness and affectionate attention that does not forget their most fragile members, are called to manifest the love of God, which never abandons anyone, ever.” Hence, the invitation that the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life addresses to parishes, dioceses, associations and ecclesial communities around the world to prepare themselves spiritually. To this end, a special pastoral kit will be available on the website http://www.laityfamilylife.va in the coming months.

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