Dear Friend,

This coming Sunday, July 25 is the First World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly as proclaimed by Pope Francis. 

For this joyful occasion, the Holy Father has granted Plenary Indulgences to grandparents, the elderly and all the faithful who participate in one of the following “motivated by a true spirit of penance and charity.”

~By participating in a solemn liturgical celebration on July 25th, either in person or watching virtually “uniting themselves spiritually to the sacred functions of the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, offering to the Merciful God their prayers, pains or sufferings of their lives, especially during the transmission, through the means of television and radio, but also through the new means of social communication.”

~By devoting adequate time on July 25th, to actually or virtually visit those who are elderly and in need or in difficulty (such as the sick, the abandoned, the disabled and other similar cases).

Gaining a Plenary Indulgence is significant because it is the remission of the punishment for all sins committed from the day of baptism. The indulgence can be applied to any deceased person you wish but it cannot be applied to any living person, except yourself.

The following conditions must also be met: 

• Confess one’s sins to be in God’s grace, (either 8 days before or after July 25)
• Attend Holy Mass and receive Holy Communion
• Pray, in particular:
  For the intentions of the Pope (The Creed, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be)
• Renounce all attachment to sin, even venial sin 

Let us make a special effort this Sunday, to show our love, gratitude and respect for our grandparents (if living), the elderly and the disabled, that we know and encounter, and learn from their wisdom.  But most of all, take the time to look into their eyes, earnestly listen and give them your undivided attention. For our grandparents who have died, we should remember to pray for the repose of their souls, that God grant them eternal rest.

Many of you have joined me in praying the Novena to Saint Anne; I thank those who have sent in comments and personal stories on Jesus’ Grandmother. It is not too late to remember your personal intentions, including the names of your grandparents (living or deceased) for the Saint Anne Feast Day Holy Mass on Monday, July 26th. 

Your Friend in Christ,

Thomas McKenna

Catholic Action For Faith And Family
http://www.catholicaction.org/