Pope Francis’ chosen theme this year is “His mercy is from age to age” (Luke 1:50), which raises the relational interconnection between the old and the young. The theme is especially fitting in light of the upcoming World Youth Day in Lisbon, which will take place from 1-6 August 2023.

The CCCB promotional video captures a group of high school students visiting the elderly at a retirement home. The heartwarming interaction of old and young wonderfully represents this year’s World Day theme and inspires us to find concrete and creative ways to draw near to the elderly.

Pope Francis inaugurated this World Day to be celebrated each year in July, either on or near the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, grandparents of Jesus, to help “treasure the spiritual and human wealth that has been handed down from generation to generation.”

To help celebrate World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, the Catholic faithful are invited to share the video and supporting resources with their families, friends and faith communities.