Celebrating the Gift of Our Grandparents & Elders

This coming Sunday, September 13 is the Sixth World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly in the U.S., as proclaimed by Pope Leo, which was observed in most countries on July 26, 2026.

The U.S. bishops approved the transfer of the celebration of World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in the U.S. from the fourth Sunday of July to the first weekend after Labor Day in September to coincide with National Grandparents (and the Elderly) Day in the United States.

‘I will never forget you’ (Is 49:15) is the theme chosen by the Holy Father for theSixth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly which aims to emphasize how God’s love for each person never fails, even in the fragility of old age.

Taken from the book of the prophet Isaiah, the chosen verse is intended to be a message of consolation and hope for all grandparents and the elderly, especially those who live in solitude or feel forgotten. At the same time, it is a call to families and ecclesial communities not to forget them, recognizing them as a precious presence and a blessing.

The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, established by Pope Francis in 2021, is an opportunity to bring the Church closer to the elderly and to value their contribution to families and communities. Our Holy Father invites everyone to celebrate the Day with a Eucharistic liturgy in the Cathedral Church of each diocese.

For this joyful occasion, the Holy Father has granted Plenary Indulgences to grandparents, the elderly, those who are disabled and all the faithful who, “motivated by a true spirit of penance and charity”, participate in the various functions to be held for the Day throughout the world.

Additionally, in order to receive the Plenary Indulgence, the following conditions must be met:

• Confess one’s sins to be in God’s grace, (either 8 days before or after September 13)

• Attend Holy Mass and receive Holy Communion on Sunday, September 13 or the Saturday evening Anticipatory Holy Mass on September 12

• Pray, in particular:
  For the intentions of the Pope (The Creed, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be)

• Renounce all attachment to sin, even venial sin

Gaining a Plenary Indulgence is significant because it is the remission of the punishment for all sins committed from the day of baptism. This indulgence can be applied to any deceased person you wish but it cannot be applied to any living person, except yourself.

The Apostolic Penitentiary extends the same Plenary Indulgence to those who dedicate significant time to visit—either in-person or by virtual means of communication—their elderly brothers and sisters who are in need or facing difficulties, such as the sick, abandoned, and those with disabilities.

The Plenary Indulgence may also be granted to the elderly who are sick and all those who are unable to leave their homes for a serious reason. In such cases, they are instructed to unite themselves spiritually to the sacred functions of the World Day, offering their prayers, pains or sufferings to God, especially during the various celebrations which will be broadcast through the media.

It is important to note the indulgence requires that the faithful maintain detachment from sin and intend to fulfill the conditions noted above as soon as possible.

In the Decree, the Apostolic Penitentiary urges priests authorized to hear confessions to make themselves available with a generous spirit for the celebration of the Sacrament of Penance.

Let us make a special effort this Sunday, to show our love, gratitude and respect for our grandparents (if living), the elderly and the disabled, that we know and encounter, and learn from their wisdom. But most of all, take the time to look into their eyes, earnestly listen and give them your undivided attention. For our grandparents who have died, we should remember to pray for the repose of their souls, that God grant them eternal rest.

You are invited to submit the names of your beloved grandparents—whether living or deceased—to be included in Five Holy Masses from September 11 to 15. Click here to submit the names.