Catholic Grandparents Association

The Catholic Grandparents Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting grandparents in passing on the Catholic faith and maintaining prayer at the heart of family life. It was founded by Catherine Wiley, an Irish grandmother of ten, who inspired by her faith and the importance of grandparents' roles in the family, began organizing pilgrimages for grandparents.

History

The organization began with the first National Grandparents' Pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Our Lady in Walsingham, England, on July 26, 2003. This event honored St. Joachim and St. Anne, parents of Our Lady and grandparents of Jesus, who are considered the heavenly patrons of this initiative. Subsequent pilgrimages were held annually in both England and Ireland, with thousands attending each year. The association was officially launched in September 2009 during the Third Grandparents' Pilgrimage at Knock Shrine in Ireland[1][4].

Mission and Activities

The association's mission is to help grandparents pass on the faith and to keep prayer in the heart of family life. It organizes Grandparents' Pilgrimages worldwide and distributes a universal prayer for grandparents written by Pope Benedict XVI. Other activities include the Children’s Prayer Appeal, where children compose prayers for their grandparents; Grandparents’ Day in School, where grandparents share stories; Adopt-a-Prayer-Child, where grandparents pray for sick children; and Fun and Faith-filled Events such as Grandparents Masses and workshops[3].

Recognition and Growth

The Catholic Grandparents Association has been recognized by the Pontifical Council for the Family and received endorsement from high-ranking members of the Catholic Church, including Cardinal Timothy Dolan. It also played a role in inspiring Pope Francis's establishment of a World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly on July 25, 2021, which celebrates the contributions of grandparents worldwide[5].

Global Reach

Today, the Catholic Grandparents Association operates as a global organization, fostering community among grandparents across different countries and cultures. It serves as a vital resource for parishes forming Grandparents Ministries, providing support, encouragement, and resources to grandparents in their spiritual roles[1][2].