IFTTT Autopost 
In 2021, Pope Francis declared the last Sunday of July to be celebrated henceforth as World Day of Prayer for Grandparents and the Elderly. The theme for this year’s celebration comes from the Book of Sirach that says, “Blessed are those who have not lost hope” (Sir 14: 2).
With all the advances in science and health care, people around the world are living longer. As a result, the percentage of the population that is elderly is growing, as are the demands for services for this population.
The Catholic Church teaches that religious leaders should not only be concerned about the special “spiritual” needs of human beings, but also their physical, social, and psychological wellbeing. Thus, it is good to have a day set aside to remind us to pray for the elderly and their needs. And, at the same time, it is a day to give thanks for the wisdom and other blessings the elderly often bring to younger members of our communities.
