Prayer for Grandparents

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in 2008 for the Catholic Grandparents Association.

Lord Jesus,

you were born of the Virgin Mary,

the daughter of Saints Joachim and Anne.

Look with love on grandparents the world over.

Protect them! They are a source of enrichment

for families, for the Church and for all of society.

Support them! As they grow older,

may they continue to be for their families

strong pillars of Gospel faith, guardians of noble domestic

ideals, living treasures of sound religious traditions.

Make them teachers of wisdom and courage,

that they may pass on to future generations the fruits

of their mature human and spiritual experience.

Lord Jesus,

help families and society to value the presence and roles of grandparents.

May they never be ignored or excluded,

but always encounter respect and love.

Help them to live serenely and to feel welcomed

in all the years of life which you give them.

Mary, Mother of all the living,

keep grandparents constantly in your care,

accompany them on their earthly pilgrimage,

and by your prayers, grant that all families

may one day be reunited in our heavenly homeland,

where you await all humanity for the great

embrace of life without end. Amen.