See what Jubilees we’ll be celebrating in July!
Jubilee of Grandparents and Older Persons
26 – 27 July 2025
This weekend, we celebrate the Jubilee of Grandparents and Older Persons, giving thanks for the wisdom, love, and strength that come with age.
Prayer of the Elderly by Pope Saint John Paul II
Grant, O Lord of life,
That we may savour every season of our lives as a gift
filled with promise for the future.
Grant that we may lovingly accept your will,
and place ourselves each day in your merciful hands.
And when the moment of our definitive “passage” comes,
grant that we may face it with serenity,
without regret for what we shall leave behind.
For in meeting you,
after having sought you for so long,
we shall find once more every authentic good
which we have known here on earth,
in the company of all who have gone before us
marked with the sign of faith and hope.
Mary, Mother of pilgrim humanity,
pray for us “now and at the hour of our death.”
Keep us ever close to Jesus,
your beloved Son and our brother,
the Lord of life and glory. Amen!
From https://www.usccb.org/prayers/prayer-elderly-pope-saint-john-paul-ii
Jubilee of Youth
28 July – 3 August 2025
This week, we give thanks for the energy, passion, and hope that young people bring to our communities.
A Prayer for our Young People
Ko mātou, ngā taiohi, me ngā rangatahi Te Rohe Pīhopa o te Papaioea.
We are the young people of the Diocese of Palmerston North.
Different peoples, yet united as one in You, our Loving God.
You have gifted us with our lives — now we offer them back to You.
Through Jesus, we know we belong, for we are infinitely lovable and infinitely loved by You.
We recommit ourselves to working for justice and peace. Stir us to recognize the needs of others and respond with both servant-heartedness and leadership. Let Your Kingdom transform us and become our reality today.
Wairua Tapu, kuhu mai. Nau mai ki konei. Wairua Tapu, arahi. Kōrero mai anō.
Holy Spirit, welcome. You are welcome here. Guide us, Holy Spirit. Speak to us again.
Written by Nick Wilson
