Over 5,000 gather at Mayo's Marian Shrine to celebrate grandparents and the elderly
MORE than 5,000 grandparents, elderly faithful and families filled the Basilica at the Shrine of Our Lady of Knock to celebrate the fifth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly and the National Grandparents Pilgrimage, organised by the Catholic Grandparents Association (CGA).
It was a day full of grace, hope, and blessings, as grandparents from across Ireland and beyond came together in prayer, thanksgiving and love.
The solemn Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Francis Duffy, patron of the CGA, joined by Bishop Denis Nulty of Kildare and Loughlin. The packed basilica was filled with sacred music from Una Nolan and choirs, and a moving solo by beloved Irish singer Dana.
The pilgrimage continues to grow in significance, especially as the spiritual birthplace of the World Day itself.
It was at Knock, in 2017, that Irish grandparents began a year of prayer to Pope Francis requesting a special day to honour their role. Their prayers were answered in 2021 when the Pope not only granted the request but included the elderly, creating a lasting spiritual legacy now celebrated around the globe.
In her powerful address, CGA founder Catherine Wiley reminded pilgrims of their enduring mission and God-given purpose: “We’re not getting older - we’re getting braver. Grandparents are the original influencers - not of trends, but of the heart.”
She went on to say: “You won’t find our tools on TikTok - you’ll find a pot of soup waiting for the prodigal grandchild. This is the kind of intelligence no AI algorithm can replicate: love that stays when the world walks out.”
Wiley also echoed Pope Francis’ call for grandparents’ ministries in every parish, encouraging the Church to walk hand in hand with grandparents, whose love, prayers, and witness help pass on the faith to future generations.
The Catholic Grandparents Association continues its founding mission: 'To help grandparents pass on the faith and keep prayer at the heart of family life'. As the World Day continues to grow worldwide, CGA invites every parish and family to join in honouring grandparents - the quiet, steady bearers of love and hope in our Church and homes.
This pilgrimage, and World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, takes place on the fourth Sunday of July every year - closest to the feast day of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus.