PRAYER FOR GRANDPARENTS by Benedict XVI

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 treasuries 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 role 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 rest. Amen!

By Pope Benedict XVI

BLESSING FOR GRANDPARENTS

Lord Jesus, you were born of the Virgin Mary,
the daughter of Saints Joachim and Anne.
Look with love on all the grandparents
who are gathered here this evening/morning.

We ask you to send your blessings upon them,
for they are a source of strength
for their 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 family values,
and living treasuries of sound religious traditions.

Enable them to be teachers of wisdom and courage,
that they may pass on to their grandchildren
the ability to hear God’s voice speaking in their hearts.

Lord Jesus, help all families and all members of our society
value the presence and role of grandparents.

May they never be ignored or excluded,
but always encounter respect and love.

Help them to live serenely and to feel welcomed
all the years of their life.

 We pray this in the name of the Father
and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
AMEN.