By Rose Achiego Ande
On Sunday, July 27, 2025, Catholics across Kenya joined the universal Church in commemorating the Fifth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, a special observance instituted by Pope Francis in 2021. Rooted in the theme “Blessed are those who have not lost hope” (Sirach 14:2), this year’s celebration offered a poignant moment to honour the resilience, wisdom, and spiritual legacy of the elderly in our families and communities.
The day was marked by heartfelt gestures across the country, parish Masses, family gatherings, and community outreach programs aimed at recognizing the dignity and contribution of grandparents and elderly members of society.
In his pastoral message, Rt. Rev. Wallace Ng’ang’a, Chairman of the Family Life National Office at the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), urged the faithful to recognize the elderly as pillars of faith, culture, and intergenerational unity.
“We must reaffirm the invaluable role of our elderly in the life of the family and the Church,” he emphasized. “They are the custodians of our traditions and living witnesses of hope.”
Concrete Expressions of Love
Throughout the week leading up to the celebration, numerous parishes and Small ChristianCommunities (Jumuias) organized activities that brought generations together in solidarity. From visits to homes for the elderly to special prayers and storytelling sessions with grandparents, the spirit of the day was visibly alive.
KCCB encouraged the faithful to take concrete actions, such as:
- Visiting elderly individuals, especially those who are lonely, ill, or in care homes.
- Engaging youth and children in meaningful interactions with the elderly.
- Celebrating special Masses dedicated to grandparents and elderly parishioners.
- Offering spiritual and emotional support to aging family members.
- Embracing these actions as works of mercy, particularly during this Jubilee Year 2025.
A Time for Renewed Commitment
This year’s celebration came at a critical time when many elderly persons in Kenya continue to face isolation, poverty, and neglect. The Church’s call for a culture of care and hope served as a wake-up call for society to affirm the inherent dignity of the elderly and include them meaningfully in community life.
“In every elderly person, we encounter Christ Himself,” Bishop Ng’ang’a reminded the faithful.
He urged families and parishes to deepen their commitment to accompany the elderly—spiritually, emotionally, and physically—and to value their lived experience as a gift to the younger generation.
A Global Moment of Unity
Globally, the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly is celebrated on the Sunday closest to the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. Pope Francis established the celebration as part of his broader vision for a Church that is more inclusive, compassionate, and attentive to every generation.
In Kenya, the day was observed not only in urban parishes but also in rural settings, where elders play a central role in preserving both Catholic faith and African cultural values.
A Prayer for the Future
As the Church continues to journey through the Jubilee Year 2025, under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” the example of the elderly remains a powerful symbol of enduring faith.
In a prayerful conclusion, Bishop Ng’ang’a invoked the intercession of the Blessed VirginMary, Mother of the Church, to watch over all elderly people and families in Kenya.
“Let us walk together, old and young, united in faith and hope, building a Church that celebrates the elderly not as a burden, but as a blessing.”
The day served as a moving reminder that true discipleship includes honouring those who came before us—and that the wisdom of our elders is a treasure the Church cannot afford to lose.Posted on by Catholic Mirror MagazineLeave a commentBy Rose Achiego Ande
On Sunday, July 27, 2025, Catholics across Kenya joined the universal Church in commemorating the Fifth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, a special observance instituted by Pope Francis in 2021. Rooted in the theme “Blessed are those who have not lost hope” (Sirach 14:2), this year’s celebration offered a poignant moment to honour the resilience, wisdom, and spiritual legacy of the elderly in our families and communities.
The day was marked by heartfelt gestures across the country, parish Masses, family gatherings, and community outreach programs aimed at recognizing the dignity and contribution of grandparents and elderly members of society.
In his pastoral message, Rt. Rev. Wallace Ng’ang’a, Chairman of the Family Life National Office at the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), urged the faithful to recognize the elderly as pillars of faith, culture, and intergenerational unity.
“We must reaffirm the invaluable role of our elderly in the life of the family and the Church,” he emphasized. “They are the custodians of our traditions and living witnesses of hope.”
Concrete Expressions of Love
Throughout the week leading up to the celebration, numerous parishes and Small ChristianCommunities (Jumuias) organized activities that brought generations together in solidarity. From visits to homes for the elderly to special prayers and storytelling sessions with grandparents, the spirit of the day was visibly alive.
KCCB encouraged the faithful to take concrete actions, such as:
- Visiting elderly individuals, especially those who are lonely, ill, or in care homes.
- Engaging youth and children in meaningful interactions with the elderly.
- Celebrating special Masses dedicated to grandparents and elderly parishioners.
- Offering spiritual and emotional support to aging family members.
- Embracing these actions as works of mercy, particularly during this Jubilee Year 2025.
A Time for Renewed Commitment
This year’s celebration came at a critical time when many elderly persons in Kenya continue to face isolation, poverty, and neglect. The Church’s call for a culture of care and hope served as a wake-up call for society to affirm the inherent dignity of the elderly and include them meaningfully in community life.
“In every elderly person, we encounter Christ Himself,” Bishop Ng’ang’a reminded the faithful.
He urged families and parishes to deepen their commitment to accompany the elderly—spiritually, emotionally, and physically—and to value their lived experience as a gift to the younger generation.
A Global Moment of Unity
Globally, the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly is celebrated on the Sunday closest to the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. Pope Francis established the celebration as part of his broader vision for a Church that is more inclusive, compassionate, and attentive to every generation.
In Kenya, the day was observed not only in urban parishes but also in rural settings, where elders play a central role in preserving both Catholic faith and African cultural values.
A Prayer for the Future
As the Church continues to journey through the Jubilee Year 2025, under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” the example of the elderly remains a powerful symbol of enduring faith.
In a prayerful conclusion, Bishop Ng’ang’a invoked the intercession of the Blessed VirginMary, Mother of the Church, to watch over all elderly people and families in Kenya.
“Let us walk together, old and young, united in faith and hope, building a Church that celebrates the elderly not as a burden, but as a blessing.”
The day served as a moving reminder that true discipleship includes honouring those who came before us—and that the wisdom of our elders is a treasure the Church cannot afford to lose.Posted on by Catholic Mirror MagazineLeave a comment
