We are delighted to celebrate this special day in person at Knock Basilica on Sunday, July 24th 2022 for the first time since 2019. The Chief celebrant on the day will be Archbishop Francis Duffy, Archbishop of Tuam and Patron of The Catholic Grandparents Association. Ceremonies will commence with Anointing of the Sick at 2.30pm, with Mass at 3pm and concluding with a special reflection by Catherine Wiley, Founder of the Catholic Grandparents Association.
We invite grandchildren of all ages to compose their own special prayers for their grandparents and these will be placed on the altar during the Mass on the day. Prayers can be posted to Knock Museum at Knock Shrine. This annual prayer appeal is a lovely way to remember our grandparents, both living and deceased during this special pilgrimage day.
Pope Francis established a World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly which took place for the first time in 2021. In 2022, the celebration will fall on Sunday 24 July, the Sunday closest to the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, Grandparents of Jesus. The theme chosen by Pope Francis for this year’s celebration is: “In old age they will still bear fruit” (Psalm 92:15).
The Catholic Grandparents Association has been at the forefront in campaigning for a greater recognition of Grandparents for their role and vocation in passing on their faith to the next generation. The announcement of a new Church-wide celebration for Grandparents and the elderly came in answer to our prayerful request to the Holy Father Pope Francis.
This new worldwide celebration in the Universal Church calendar is a momentous achievement for Grandparents and the Elderly and will hopefully reassure them that they are loved and that they are needed.
For those who are unable to join the pilgrimage in person, the ceremonies will be streamed live on the Knock Shrine website.
Ireland's International
Eucharistic and Marian Shrine,
Knock, Claremorris, Co. Mayo,
F12 Y226, Ireland
Mass Enrolments
Light a Candle
Donate
Place a Petition
Watch Live
Online Shop