Barbara Dowding has been promoting the importance of grandparents for years, so when Pope Francis announced the creation of a World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, she was filled with “joy, hope, and excitement.”

“To celebrate grandparents is a wonderful opportunity to honour this important ministry to families. Adding the elderly to the special day makes it even more wonderful. So many seniors are mentors and take on the role of grandparents in many special ways,” she told The B.C. Catholic.

Dowding, chancellor at the Archdiocese of Vancouver, previously began work on creating a still-in-development archdiocesan ministry for grandparents. She said the Year of the Family, which the Church will celebrate March 19, 2021, to June 26, 2022, is perfect timing to start a celebration of grandparents and seniors.

“Clearly as part of the celebrations of the family, this could be a most positive and powerful thing.”

The date for the inaugural World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly is set for Sunday, July 25. Pope Francis will offer a special Mass to mark the occasion.

With the COVID-19 pandemic still in our midst, for many grandparents, “the protocols have meant limited access to their grandchildren,” said Dowding. “It is heartbreaking but people are finding ways to meet outside, or drive by, [use] social media and FaceTime, etc. It is true that absence makes the heart grow fonder. How we ache for a real, hard, tight ‘I love you’ hug!”

“I hope we find some ways to mark this day, not only in light of COVID, but in recognition of the role grandparents bring to the wellbeing of a family.”

The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will take place annually on the fourth Sunday of July, close to the feast of the grandparents of Jesus, Sts. Joachim and Anne, the Pope said.

“The Holy Spirit … arouses thoughts and words of wisdom in the elderly today: their voice is precious because it sings the praises of God and guards the roots of peoples. They remind us that old age is a gift and that grandparents are the link between generations, to transmit to young people an experience of life and faith,” Pope Francis said Jan. 31.

“Grandparents are often forgotten and we forget this wealth of preserving and passing on the roots. For this reason, I have decided to establish the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly.”

In his Angelus address – offered via a live video broadcast due to the COVID-19 pandemic – the Pope also mentioned the Feb. 2 liturgical celebration of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple by Mary and Joseph.

“We will celebrate the feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, when Simeon and Anna, both elderly, enlightened by the Holy Spirit, recognized Jesus as the Messiah.”

Pope Francis pointed to the example of the Virgin Mary who “always kept Jesus’ words and gestures in her heart and followed Him with total willingness and faithfulness.”

“May she help us too to listen to him and follow him, to experience the signs of his salvation in our life,” he prayed.

Pope Francis also highlighted World Leprosy Day, which occurs each year on the last Sunday of January. He appealed to world leaders to join efforts to treat those suffering from leprosy – officially called Hansen’s Disease – and to work for their social inclusion.

“I express my closeness to those who suffer from this disease, and I encourage missionaries, health workers and volunteers committed to their service,” the pope said.

“The pandemic has confirmed how necessary it is to protect the right to health for the most vulnerable people.”

With files from Catholic News Agency.