“This is a very honest book on family. It’s not pious or devotional; it’s not artifical or canned. It’s rooted, it’s grounded in the joys and sorrows of family life,” said Bishop Nulty
"This has been an incredibly difficult year for so many grandparents around the world. The pilgrimage is a wonderful opportunity to make them feel cherished and valued,” says CGA founder Catherine Wiley.
Encouraged by Pope Francis, Archbishop Eamon Martin invites grandparents and grandchildren to share their own stories this weekend – whether that’s over the phone, on social media, or by video call – about how they are “coping during the coronavirus crisis”.
“I see this conference as an endorsement of the key role the elderly play in our Church and in society today. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI recognised that critical role when he wrote a special Prayer for Grandparents in 2008” - Bishop Denis Nulty.
My thoughts turn to families in our own diocese who have welcomed the birth of a child during this past year and to those who are expecting a baby in the near future – Bishop Kevin Doran.
“A society that has no room for the elderly or discards them because they create problems has a deadly virus.”
Grandparents understand the challenges that face their daughters and sons as parents, “because we have lived similar challenges in our own lives”.
“He calls us to follow Him in every age of life, and old age has a grace and a mission too, a true vocation from the Lord. Old age is a vocation” - Pope Francis
By word and example you can teach your children and grandchildren that families are built on mutual love, respect, loyalty, sincerity, trust and cooperation.
Bishop Brendan Leahy urges grandparents to help their grandchildren in the faith at 2015 Catholic Grandparents Pilgrimage in Knock.
A dedicated day for grandparents would recognise that “grandparents are the anchor in families - they are anchored by faith.”
"Parents and grandparents today need our ongoing support and challenge to live up to the promises they undertake on behalf of their children” - Bishop Treanor.
On the feast of the Holy Family, Pontiff urges all to pray for families facing difficulties and who lack unity.
Grandparents are the wisdom of a family, Pope Francis states.
Sr Breege McKenna gives keynote address at Knock pilgrimage.
Catholic Grandparents Association launches new branch in the Philippines.
