The 5th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly: Have you read Pope Leo’s message?

As I realized that we were approaching July 26,the Feast of Sts. Joachim and Ann, parents of Mary, our Blessed Mother, grandparents of Jesus, and patron Saints of grandparents, I recalled that, in recent years, Pope Francis had designated a special day for grandparents and the elderly, although I did not recall all the details. As is the case in these days of internet searches (and AI), we can find information very quickly. In this case, I learned from the USCCB website that, as Catholics in the United States, we have two opportunities to have a special day for Grandparents and the Elderly:

“In 2021, Pope Francis established the celebration of the World Day for Grandparents and Elderly on the fourth Sunday of July, near the liturgical memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus (July 26). The theme for the 2025 celebration selected by the pope is “Blessed are those who have not lost hope” (cf. Sir 14:2)…