Grandparents

 We have been hearing a lot about grandparents recently.  In 2021, Pope Francis instituted the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly to be celebrated every year on the fourth Sunday of July, which falls near July 26th, the memorial of St. Joachim and St. Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. 

Pope Francis encourages us to remember, our grandparents at Mass on that day and, if they are still living, to visit them or to visit an elderly person living alone.

Grandparents are often the main teachers of the faith to their grandchildren, answering their questions and telling them bible stories and stories of the saints, as well as teaching by the example of their lives.  We give thanks for their witness.

Some of us may not remember our grandparents very well but we may remember particular incidents or wise sayings passed on by a parent recalling their own childhood.  Pondering these can help us to appreciate our families and give thanks.

We give thanks for all Grandparents and pray especially for those who care for their grandchildren.                                                                                                           

                                                                                                   
Photos:

Above: Saints Anne and Joachim                           
Francesco Botticini, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Below: Mme. Fournet, grandmother of St. Therese’s cousins Jeanne & Marie Guerin. Therese also looked on her as a grandmother and loved to visit her at Saint Ouen Le Pin, in the beautiful Auge countryside (about 9 kms from Lisieux).

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