As per the directions of the Pope, the fourth Sunday of September every year is to be commemorated as the 'World Day for Grandparents, Great Grandparents and the Elderly' starting this year 2021. The International Day for the Grandparents is observed on the occasion of the Feast Day of St Joachim and St Anna the Parents of Holy Virgin Mother Mary and the Grandparents of Lord Jesus Christ, which falls on the 25/26th of July every year.
In the present consumer era, parents and grandparents when they attain old age, are neglected by many people in the world. The sacrifices and struggles they underwent to bring up their children and grandchildren are often forgotten. That is very cruel and unjust. They deserve not only food and accommodation but also affection and respect from the children and their children.
The elderly must be loved and honored by every member of the family. The younger generation should be showed and taught by their parents how reverently and dedicatedly they should treat their parents. If any son or daughter ill-treats or mistreats his/her parents at their old age, never forget that, that person also will definitely receive the same treatment in future by their children.
Not only on this feast day the grandparents and great grandparents are to be honoured, but throughout their lives, they should be given a royal place in the families. By doing this, God also will be pleased and fill the family with lots of Grace and abundant blessings.
