‘I will never forget you’ (Is 49:15)
As a reminder, this World Day was established in 2021 by Pope Francis. It is celebrated each year near the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. This year’s theme is: “I will never forget you” (Isaiah 49:15).
On this occasion, Pope Leo XIV offers a message of hope to older persons. Echoing the words of the prophet Isaiah, he speaks out against the culture of neglect that affects so many seniors and invites both the Church and families to rediscover the richness of their presence and their mission.
He reminds us that the Lord knows each person by name and that His love remains faithful, even in the frailty of old age. This World Day, the Pope writes, is “an opportunity to rediscover that the Church is called to be a home for all generations, and that at every age, we can always rediscover ourselves as sons and daughters of God.” He encourages older persons to embrace their vulnerability as a place of prayer, reconciliation, and hope, and invites them to pray fervently for peace in the world.
However, if specific pastoral needs so suggest, the episcopal conferences have the authority to move the celebration to a different date.
The Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life is making a pastoral kit available to support dioceses, parishes, congregations, and associations around the world in celebrating the occasion. The resource – which contains
- the Holy Father’s Message,
- the official prayer, pastoral guidelines, a liturgical resource,
- the Day’s logo
offers tools and practical suggestions for putting into practice the desire expressed by the Pope in the Message.