WORLD DAY OF GRANDPARENTS AND THE ELDERLY 2025

DOWNLOAD 2025 NEWSLETTER

EVENT OVERVIEW

The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly was instituted by Pope Francis in 2021 and is marked annually on the fourth Sunday of July, near the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne — the grandparents of Jesus. The Catholic Church established this day to: Honor the wisdom, faith, and life experiences of older persons. Promote intergenerational dialogue. Counter the culture of indifference and abandonment faced by many elders.

THE KINUNGI CELEBRATION

On 26th July 2025, over 550 participants — including older persons, caregivers, church leaders, youth, partners, and community members — gathered at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, Kinungi in Nakuru Diocese. The celebration began with a Holy Eucharistic Mass presided over by His Excellency Archbishop Hubertus van Megen, Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, assisted by Rev. Fr. Cornel Omondi,C.Ss.R., Rev. Fr. Jude, Rev. Fr. Pius,C.Ss.R., and Rev. Fr. Isaac, C.Ss.R.

OBJECTIVES OF THE DAY:
1.Honor & Recognition: Celebrate the contribution of grand parents and older persons to family, Church, and community life.
2.Promote Intergenerational Solidarity: Foster meaningful dialogue and connection between young and old.
3.Raise Awareness: Highlight social, emotional, and physical challenges facing older persons, including isolation, ageism, and neglect.
4.Offer Spiritual Support: Acknowledge the faith journeys of older persons through prayer and blessing.
5.Advocate Inclusion: Encourage the full participation of older persons in social, economic, and religious life.

THEME 2025:“BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HAVE NOTLOST HOPE” – SIRACH 14:2
OBJECTIVES OF THE DAY

ACTIVITIES THAT BROUGHT JOY AND DIGNITY

Holy Mass & Blessing – Spiritual nourishment and affirmation. Grooming of Older Persons – Restoring dignity and confidence. Health Check-ups – Preventive care and wellness education. Distribution of Gift Hampers & Warm Essentials – Tangible acts of love. Performances & Entertainment – Music, dance, and poetry from youth and community groups. Intergenerational Engagement – Shared experiences bridging generations gap.

IMPACT AND OUTCOMESWHO WE REACHED

Strengthened Intergenerational Bonds – Greater mutual understanding and respect between youth and elders. Increased Visibility of Older Persons – Engagement of church, community, and government leaders spotlighted their rights and needs. Improved Well-being – Many elders reported feeling appreciated, seen, and emotionally uplifted. Enhanced Community Commitment – Partners pledged ongoing support for health, food security, and social inclusion programs.

IMPACT AND OUTCOMES WHO WE REACHED

Total Participants: 550Female: 387 (70.4%)Male: 163 (29.6%) Age Range: Majority between 70–79 years, with the special presence of a centenarian. Geographic Spread: Participants came from 18 localities across Naivasha Sub-County and surrounding areas, including Maraigushu, Nyamathi, Mwega, Munyu, Nyakairu, Kinungi, Kiambogo, Karai, Mirera, Heni, Kayole, Flyover, Gatamaiyu, Maguna, Ihindu, Mwishowa Lami, and Sisioni.

A CALL TO CONTINUE THE MISSION

In line with EFA’s Strategic Plan (2024–2030), we aim to reach over350,000 older persons nationwide with health, nutrition, care, protection, and advocacy services. “Each wrinkle holds a sacred testimony. We must not cast them off but lift them up. If we are to live the Gospel, then let our systems, our budgets, and our voices reflect the worth of our elders — not just on this day, but everyday.”

OUR GRATITUDE:

This day was made possible by our partners, volunteers, church leaders, community youth, and the generous spirit of Kinungi. You have affirmed that no older person should walk alone. As the sun set on the hills of Kinungi, a collective prayer rose: “Blessed are those who have not lost hope.”