WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR GRANDPARENTS AND THE ELDERLY

Today let us pray for our grandparents and the elderly members of our families and communities for the love, wisdom and example they give us.

In his message for this day of prayer, Pope Francis reflects upon the contribution young people can make to the lives of those who are grandparents and those who are elderly and the contribution they make in return to young people.

The Holy Father writes: "Friendship with an older person can help the young to see life not only in terms of the present and realise that not everything depends on them and their abilities. For the elderly, the presence of a young person in their lives can give them hope that their experience will not be lost and that their dreams can find fulfilment."

Dear Lord,
We thank you for grandparents and elderly relatives
throughout the world, their lives and their vocation.
We are grateful for their love, care and the advice
that they give to each of us.
Protect them dear Lord, in all that they do,
as we continue to be blessed
by their wisdom in our communities.
Guide them in their earthly pilgrimage and
always keep them close to your heart,
so that they continue to generously respond to your call.
We make this prayer through Jesus Christ, Our Lord.
Amen.