Next Sunday, July 26, at 12:00, the Almudena Cathedral will host a mass for the VI World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, under the theme 'I Will Not Forget You'.
The Cathedral of Santa María la Real de la Almudena will be the epicentre of the VI World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly this Sunday, July 26. The mass, which will begin at 12:00, will gather faithful from across the diocese to honour the elderly under the theme “I Will Not Forget You”, taken from the prophet Isaiah.
A Message from the Pope Against Loneliness
Pope Leo XIV has dedicated his message to the promise of God to never forget the elderly. In the face of loneliness and the feeling of abandonment that often accompanies old age, the Pontiff reminds us that grandparents are bearers of timeless love and that the Church is the mother of all. The day presents an opportunity for society — and especially the youth — to break the isolation of grandparents through a tender and affectionate encounter.
Furthermore, the fragility of old age is claimed not as a burden, but as a vocation and a strength capable of opening hearts to mutual aid, reconciliation, and peace in a world marked by violence.
“In an age that tends to accelerate and fragment, the person continues to ask to be cared for and recognised by hands capable of tenderness, by attentive minds and kind words.”
Support from the Diocese of Madrid
The initiative is driven by the Delegation for Pastoral Care with the Elderly of the Archdiocese of Madrid, in collaboration with the Delegation for Family and Life, the Delegation for Health Pastoral Care, Cáritas Madrid, Vida Ascendente, and CONFER Madrid. All of them invite parishes, associations, ecclesial communities, and the Diocese of Madrid to join this world day.
For the people of Madrid, the event at the Almudena Cathedral represents a central act in the heart of the capital, accessible by metro (lines 5 and 10, Ópera station) and buses. Entry is free until capacity is reached. A large representation of elderly care homes and parish centres from across the Community of Madrid is expected.
The day, which has been celebrated since 2021 at the initiative of Pope Francis, seeks to highlight the role of grandparents in the family and society. In this sixth edition, the theme “I Will Not Forget You” takes on special relevance in a post-pandemic context where many elderly people suffer from social isolation.
The organisers recommend arriving early to secure a place, as a large turnout is anticipated. The mass will be officiated by the Archbishop of Madrid, who will preside over the celebration. After the Eucharist, there will be a fellowship event in the Almudena square.
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