On the eve of the VI World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia joins the universal Church in reflecting on the precious place of older people in the life of families, parishes, and communities.

Promoted by the Vatican, the celebration coincides with the liturgical memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. The theme chosen by Pope Leo XIV for this year is “I will never forget you” (Is 49:15), a reminder that God’s love never abandons any person, even in the fragility of old age.

In the Vicariate, initiatives promoted by the Office of Family Ministry will take place in several parishes. These celebrations are an invitation to recognize the elderly as a living presence within the Church — “not only as part of its past, but as an essential part of its present and future, and of the Mystical Body of Christ,” in the words of Fr. Peter Fernando, Director of the Office of Family Ministry.

This celebration has a particular meaning in Southern Arabia, where the Church is made up largely of migrants and many families live far from their elderly relatives. For Fr. Peter, the World Day invites the faithful “to look beyond biological relationships and recognize that every elderly person within our parish communities deserves to be welcomed, accompanied, and valued.”

Their presence, he added, is a gift for the whole community: “Their wisdom, faith, perseverance, and witness enrich our communities, inspire younger generations, and remind us that every stage of life has dignity and purpose.”

In many families, grandparents are not part of daily life. They often remain in the countries of origin, while younger generations build their lives in the Gulf. Physical distance, however, “should not weaken the bonds of love, gratitude, and responsibility that unite generations.”

The World Day offers a simple but important message to younger people: remain connected. “A phone call, a video conversation, a message, or praying the Rosary together across continents can become concrete expressions of affection and faith.”

At the same time, parish communities are called to become a real family for those elderly people who may live alone or without close relatives nearby. Especially young people are invited “to meet them, listen to their stories, and learn from their experience.” This is an opportunity to “build an intergenerational Church,” Fr. Peter said, “where young and old journey together in faith, reflecting the Gospel call to honor the elders and care for one another as one family in Christ.”

In recent years, seniors ministry groups have begun in several parishes, promoted by the Office of Family Ministry. “They’re a beautiful expression of the Church's commitment to accompaniment and inclusion.” These groups offer older parishioners a welcoming space to deepen their relationship with Christ, build friendships, and continue to contribute actively to parish life.

Gatherings may include prayer, reflection on Sacred Scripture, sharing of life experiences, picnics, celebrations, and intergenerational participation. “Each parish adapts the initiative according to local needs, but the purpose remains the same: spiritual growth, mutual support, fellowship, and a renewed sense of belonging.”

As the Church celebrates the VI World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, the Vicariate is invited to renew its gratitude for the elderly and to ensure that every elderly person knows they are loved. In a migrant Church marked by distance, movement, and diversity, the words of the prophet Isaiah become a promise and a mission: “I will never forget you.”