Vatican Offers Plenary Indulgence for Visiting the Elderly on Grandparents’ Day on July 24

The new decree signed by the Major Penitentiary Cardinal Mauro Piacenza and Regent Father Krzysztof Nykiel said: “The plenary indulgence may also be granted, provided that they remove themselves from any sin and with the intention of fulfilling the three usual conditions as soon as possible, to the sick elderly and to all those who, unable to leave their homes for a serious reason, will unite spiritually with the sacred services of the World Day, offering to the Merciful God their prayers, and the pains and sufferings of their lives, especially while the words of the Supreme Pontiff and the various celebrations are broadcast through the media.”

A similar decree was issued for the World Day’s inaugural celebration on July 25, 2021.

Pope Francis established the commemoration in January 2021. The day falls annually on the fourth Sunday of July, on or close to the July 26 Feast of Sts. Anne and Joachim, the grandparents of Jesus.

The Vatican unveiled the theme for the second World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in February, taken from Psalm 92:15: “In old age they will still bear fruit.”

In the pope’s message for this year, released on May 10, he urged seniors not to despair at their frailty but to embrace “a new mission” of caring for others in a world torn apart by conflict.

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“Old age is no time to give up and lower the sails, but a season of enduring fruitfulness: a new mission awaits us and bids us look to the future,” he wrote in the 1,600-word message.

The Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life released a pastoral kit on May 30 offering guidance on celebrating the day locally.

The 85-year-old pope, who has made public appearances in a wheelchair due to knee pain since May 5, has highlighted the importance of care and respect for the elderly throughout his pontificate.

In February, he launched a new general audience catechetical cycle devoted to old age.

The Apostolic Penitentiary’s decree concluded with an appeal to priests.

“In order, therefore, that this opportunity to attain divine grace through the power of the Keys of the Church may be more easily realized through pastoral charity, this Penitentiary firmly requests priests, equipped with the appropriate faculties to hear confessions, to make themselves available with a ready and generous spirit for the celebration of the Sacrament of Penance,” it said.