World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly: September 7, 2025
'Blessed are those who have not lost hope' (cf. Sir 14:2)
The second Sunday of September is designated as Grandparents Day by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Although it is a secular “holiday,” the occasion provides the opportunity to honor grandparents much like we do mothers and fathers in the spring. As Pope Francis reminded us, grandparents “are the living memory of the family. They pass on the faith…” (Festival of Families, Philadelphia, 2015.)
Grandparents play an essential and important role in the family. The purpose of this special day is to honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children's children, and to help children become aware of the faith, information, and guidance older people can offer.
Please consider taking advantage of this ready-made “holiday” to honor grandparents- those living and deceased- at your Sunday Masses for September 7.
Suggested ways to honor grandparents
- Publishing the Prayer for Grandparents written by Pope Benedict XVI in your September 7 Bulletin (Click to download in Spanish & English) https://www.catholicgrandparentsassociation.org/popes-prayer/
- Offering the masses in honor of grandparents, both living and deceased
- A prayer intention during the Universal Prayer (click here for suggested intensions)
A special blessing for grandparents at the end of mass such as:
God of mercy,
Who has given these, Your children, the gift of a long life, Grant them your blessing.
Let them feel the sweetness and strength of your presence: Looking back on the past,
Rejoicing in Your mercy; And looking to the future, Persevering with undying hope.
To you, glory and praise for evermore.(Excerpt from Blessing for Grandparents sourced from World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly 2025)
- Pray a blessing over grandparents such as: https://www.usccb.org/prayers/blessing-grandparents
