Pope Francis celebrated the first World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in 2021 and decreed that it be observed each year on the Sunday closest to the feast of Sts Joachim and Anne, Jesus’ grandparents.

Commencing with the 9am Mass, Sunday 16 July, the celebrations continued with a celebratory cutting of the cake by long-time parishioners, including 84-year-old Marian Randall, 84, Portio Curton, 83 and Rose Pearce, 83.

Speaking ahead of World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, to be celebrated Sunday 24 July, the Holy Father said elderly men and women often have “a special sensitivity for care, for reflection and affection” that is sorely needed in today’s war-torn world