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Celebration of the Sixth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

Holy Family Church, Brahmavara, celebrated the Sixth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly on 26 July 2026 with great joy and gratitude. The celebration was organised by the Family Commission of the Parish.

The Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Rev. Fr. John Fernandes, Parish Priest. Rev. Fr. Mathias Dias, Principal of Nirmala English Medium High School, Brahmavara, delivered an inspiring and meaningful homily. Reflecting on the theme chosen by Pope Leo XIV for this year, “I Will Never Forget You” (Isaiah 49:15), the celebration highlighted the dignity, wisdom and invaluable contribution of grandparents and the elderly to their families, society and the Church.





Following the Holy Mass, a special get-together of the elderly parishioners was held at the School Hall. The programme began with a warm welcome by Mrs. Maria Gretta Fernandes. The elders of the parish were welcomed with roses and honoured with gifts as a token of gratitude for their lifelong sacrifices, love, wisdom and service to their families, the parish and society. Their lives and sacrifices have laid the strong foundation upon which the younger generations continue to build their future.

An entertaining programme was organised by the Family Commission. Present on the dais were Mr. Ravi Prakash Gonsalves (Vice-President), Mrs. Gretta D’Souza (Coordinator of the 20 Commissions), Mrs. Janet Furtado (Chairperson of the Family Commission) and other members of the Commission. The programme was compered by Mrs. Violet Rebello. Mrs. Doris D’Souza served as the Resource Person and Guest Speaker.







Under the leadership of the talented singer and composer Rev. Fr. Mathias Dias, the priests of the parish, together with members of the Family Commission, presented a beautiful felicitation song in honour of the elderly. The faithful added colour and joy to the celebration with various entertaining programmes, including dances by children Sancia and Viola Roche and by the YCS students.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Mrs. Pramila D’Almeida. Tea and snacks were served to all present.

The celebration was a beautiful expression of gratitude and love towards the elderly. It reminded everyone that grandparents and elderly persons are not to be forgotten but cherished as precious treasures of the family, the Church and society. In the spirit of the Holy Father’s theme, the celebration proclaimed a powerful message: “I Will Never Forget You.”