Young people have been encouraged to listen to and learn from their grandparents and the elderly, whose wisdom was likened to that of King Solomon.
The call was made by the Rector of Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine, Fr. Male, during Mass marking the Sixth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly on Sunday, 26th July 2026.
This year’s celebration was observed by Catholics worldwide under the theme, “I will never forget you” (Isaiah 49:15).
In his homily, Fr. Male reflected on the First Reading, which highlighted the wisdom God bestowed upon King Solomon. He said this same wisdom can be found in grandparents and the elderly, making them an invaluable source of guidance for younger generations.
“The younger generation should learn from the wisdom and experience of grandparents and the elderly. This celebration brings together not only grandparents and older persons but also young people, adults and children, so that they can benefit from the wisdom they possess, just as King Solomon sought true wisdom,” Fr. Male said.
Adding that “their wisdom provides direction, their patience strengthens families, and their witness of perseverance teaches us the value of hope. In the Church, grandparents and the elderly are a living treasure. Through prayer, service, counsel, and the passing on of the Catholic faith, they continue to play a vital role in the mission of evangelisation and in building strong Christian communities.”
In his message for the occasion, Pope Leo XIV encouraged young people to visit their grandparents, elderly family members and older persons who may have no one to visit them.
“Bring them, through this message and your presence, the closeness and affection of the Pope. Ensure that the words of the prophet, ‘But I will never forget you,’ take the form of a tender and affectionate encounter. In an era that favours speed and fragmentation, the human person still yearns to receive care and recognition through attentive minds, kind words and hands capable of tenderness. The digital culture multiplies connections and offers new opportunities for interaction, yet the human heart retains an irrevocable need for genuine closeness,” the Pope wrote.
At Munyonyo, the celebration continued after Mass as grandparents and the elderly shared a meal with young people and enjoyed moments of music, dance and drama.
Speaking during the celebrations, the leader of the St. Anne and St. Joachim Apostolate at the Shrine, Mr Cyprian Male, emphasised the importance of strengthening the bond between grandparents and grandchildren.
“The relationship between grandparents and grandchildren is very important because it brings them closer together. Through this relationship, they learn from one another and support each other spiritually and socially,” he said.
He noted that since Pope Francis introduced the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly and the Apostolate was embraced within the Archdiocese, many grandparents have come to appreciate the initiative and now enjoy stronger relationships with their grandchildren.
Mr Male also thanked the Parish Priest, Fr. Male, for his continued support of the Apostolate and for appointing him and Mrs Regius Yiga as the patron grandparents (JjajjaJoachim and Jjajja Anna) of Munyonyo Parish.
“Since we assumed office in 2024, we have learned a great deal about this Apostolate, and we are grateful to our Parish Priest for the support he has given us,” he said.
The St. Anne and St. Joachim Apostolate was established at Munyonyo Parish in 2024. One of its first activities was participating in the annual retreat for the elderly at KisubiBeach, where about 30 parish representatives took part.
The Apostolate also partnered with Kiruddu National Referral Hospital to organise a free medical camp, enabling senior citizens in the parish to receive medical check-ups as part of efforts to promote their health and well-being.
