Sunday, July 23, is the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. This observance occurs every year on the fourth Sunday of July, near the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne (7/26), the grandparents of Jesus. The theme for this year’s celebration is “His mercy is from age to age” (Luke 1:50). Pope Francis is granting a Plenary Indulgence for the faithful who take part in the 3rd World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. (Note that the U.S. bishops have approved the transfer of this celebration to the Sunday after Labor Day in September.)
Recognizing the importance of grandparents in the lives of their grandchildren, Pflaum now offers the guidance of Dr. Marilyn Kravatz-Toolan for home study by parents and grandparents (English, Spanish).
Dr. Marylin, the grandmother of eleven, shares ideas for supporting grandparents in the faith formation of their grandchildren. Through her love of teaching, Dr. Marilyn offers ideas for including grandparents in the religious ed/catechesis/faith development of their grandchildren and providing support for parents as they journey together as the primary educators in faith.
To grandparents, she writes: “Thank you for responding to the invitation to recognize your honorable place in the family. Thank you as well for realizing that you can offer so much to your family not only in what you already do as a parent/grandparent but also as a disciple in handing on the faith. Pope Francis has made known his support and declarations of honor for us. He has reminded us that we can still bear much fruit.”
Image credits: © CatholicGrandparentsAssociation.org
