World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly - July 23rd

July 14, 2023

Today the Church celebrates the third World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. The Church throughout the world observes the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly each year on the fourth Sunday in July, close to the feast of Jesus’ grandparents, Saint Joachim and Saint Anne. Pope Francis instituted this Day in 2021 since, he believes, grandparents are often forgotten, yet they “are the link between generations, passing on the experience of life and faith to the young.” This year Pope Francis has chosen as the theme: “His mercy is from age to age” (Lk 1:50), which expresses the links between Grandparents and the Elderly and the World Youth Day being held in Lisbon, Portugal between the 1st and 6th of August. Pope Francis, in his message for the World Day, says: “The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly is mean to be a small but precious sign of hope … for the whole Church.” He reminds young people that “God wants young people to bring joy to the hearts of the elderly, as Mary did to Elizabeth, and gain wisdom from their experiences.” The full text of the message is available on the Vatican Website and provides useful reflections for those who are celebrated on the day and all members of the Church:

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/nonni/documents/20230531-messaggiononni-anziani.html

For the first time this year, the Apostolic Penitentiary has granted a special Plenary Indulgence for those who devote adequate time to visit, in person or virtually, through technology, their elderly brothers and sisters in need or in difficulty, such as the sick, the abandoned and the disabled. The Indulgence is also granted to the sick elderly and to all those who, unable to leave their homes for a serious reason, will unite spiritually with the sacred services of World Day, offering to the Merciful God their prayers, their pain and the sufferings of their lives. The Indulgence is under the usual conditions (i.e. Sacramental Confession, Eucharistic Communion and prayer in accordance with the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff). Full details of the indulgence can be found here:

https://www.osservatoreromano.va/en/news/2023-07/ing-027/plenary-indulgence-on-the-occasionof-the-world-day-for-grandpar.html

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Safeguarding - CSSA Thematic Inspection on Survivor Engagement and Support

By Webmaster • August 28, 2025

In the Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia, our safeguarding team is deeply committed to supporting victims and survivors of abuse with sensitivity and compassion. Our LoudFence events highlight our commitment to raising awareness of abuse, our ' Restorative Circles ' bring together people to listen and share their experiences, while Archbishop Marks dedicated ‘ Time to Listen ’ sessions, ensures that survivors are given time and space to share their experiences directly with him. These initiatives are part of our ongoing commitment to learning from survivors, walking alongside them in their healing journey, and ensuring safeguarding remains at the heart of diocesan life. If you haven’t previously engaged with the Archdiocese Safeguarding Team but feel that it would be helpful to do so, please don’t hesitate to contact the safeguarding office on 02920 379480 or email safeguarding@rcadc.org The Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) has launched a thematic inspection on survivor engagement and support, with a particular focus on how dioceses and Religious Life Groups (RLGs) respond to those who have suffered abuse. As part of this work, the CSSA is inviting survivors to take part in a public survey, sharing their experiences of engaging with a diocese or RLG. This includes both recent and non-recent experiences, and while the primary focus is on the period from July 2024 onwards, survivors are encouraged to share as much as they feel able. The survey is an important step in ensuring that survivor voices are heard, valued, and used to shape future safeguarding practice. The CSSA is asking every diocese and RLG to help share this important public call. We are eager to reach as many victims and survivors of abuse as possible, encouraging them to contribute to this survey so that their experiences and insights can help shape a safer and more compassionate Church for all. Information and the link for the survey can be found below: