This week, on July 26, the Church marked the feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne, the parents of Mary and grandparents of Jesus. For the occasion, Pope Francis sent a message to participants and organizers of the 16th Celebration of Grandparents held throughout Spain.
In his message, sent through the Apostolic Nunciature in Spain, the Holy Father invited grandparents to “reaffirm their faith in the closeness of the Lord.”
He also reminded them that the Lord “does not abandon them in any situation,» and expressed the conviction that «they can still contribute, with the influence of their wise words and affectionate gestures, to the life and growth of the members of their families, at a profoundly human and spiritual level of faith.”
Finally, the Pontiff encouraged those who look after the elderly, saying that «in taking care of them with love, they are collaborating for the common good of society.”
The feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne is celebrated as Grandparents’ Day in various countries around the world.
