4th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
The Holy Father’s message underscores this year’s theme for the Day: “Do not cast me off in my old age” (Psalm 71:9). His Holiness invites the Catholic faithful to reflect on the loneliness of the elderly, encouraging us to “take a new path” and to spend time with them, “acknowledging their unique role in the family, in society and in the Church…”
Official 2024 World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly Prayer - EN
Official 2024 World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly Prayer - FR
Catechesis on Old Age (20 minute read about catechesis with seniors) from 2022 - EN
Catechesis on Old Age (20 minute read about catechesis with seniors) from 2022 – FR
The Caress and the Smile - Meeting of Pope Francis with Grandparents, the Elderly and grandchildren, Address of His Holiness Pope Francis – FR
July Saints
St. Anne and St. Joachim - July 26
St. Joachim is the patron saint of grandfathers, fathers, and grandparents.
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St. Anne is the patron saint of grandparents, couples without children, women in labour, and women unable to conceive.
St. Thomas - July 3
St. Thomas is the patron saint of judges and architects.
St. Elizabeth of Portugal - July 4
St. Elizabeth of Portugal is the patron saint of healing family rifts.
St. Anthony Zaccaria - July 5
St. Anthony Zaccaria is the patron saint of physicians.
St. Augustine Zhao Rong - July 9
St. Augustine Zhao Rong is the patron saint of China.
St. Apollinaris - July 20
St. Paulinus of Nola is the patron saint of bell makers.
St. Bridget - July 23
St. Irenaeus is the patron saint of apologists and catechists.
St. James - July 25
St. James is the patron saint of hatmakers, rheumatoid sufferers and laborers.
Click here to download the St. James colouring sheet.
St. Peter Chrysologus - July 30
St. Peter Chrysologus is the patron Saint of Imola, Italy.
St. Bonaventure - July 15
St. Bonaventure is the patron saint of bowel disorders.
Click here to download the St. Bonaventure colouring sheet.
Sts. Mary, Martha and Lazarus - July 29
St. Martha is the patron saint of cooks, dietitians, homemakers, hotel keepers, single laywomen, maids, and travellers. All three saints are the patron saints of siblings.
St. Mary Magdalene - July 22
St. Mary Magdalene is the patron saint of perfumers.
Click here to download the St. Mary Magdalene colouring sheet.
St. Henry - July 13
St. Henry is the patron saint of the childless, of Dukes, of the handicapped and those rejected by Religious Orders.
Click here to download the St. Henry colouring sheet.
St. Benedict of Nursia - July 11
St. Benedict of Nursia is the patron saint of Europe.
Click here to download the St. Benedict of Nursia colouring sheet.
St. Maria Goretti - July 6
St. Maria Goretti is the patron saint of purity, young women, and victims of assault.
Click here to download the St. Maria Goretti colouring sheet.
Click here to download the St. Thomas colouring sheet.
St. Sharbel Makhluf (can also be spelled as Charbel Maklouf) - July 24
Sharbel Makluf is the patron saint of those who suffer in body and soul.
St. Ignatius of Loyola - July 31
St. Ignatius is the patron saint of the Society of Jesus, soldiers, educators and education.
Click here to download the St. Ignatius colouring sheet.