By a tradition going back to the mid-second century, Sts Joachim and Anne were the parents of Our Lady, and therefore the grandparents of Jesus himself. They are not named in the Bible itself, but there has been devotion to them through the ages. We can call them the patrons of all grandparents!

Now I have to admit that I sometimes feel left out in this matter, because all four of my grandparents had died before I was born, the last one, my father’s father, six years before, so unfortunately I never knew them. I had to rely on my parents’ memories to learn more.

In these days of working parents, and longer life, however, many grandparents seem to be indispensable in family life, especially in the care of their grandchildren. How often I hear that they are busier now, helping their grown-up children with the school run, baby-sitting, etc, than they were when they were working.

So why not do something special on Wednesday for your grandparents. If they are around, and especially if they are helping you, show your appreciation in some special way. If, like mine, they have gone to their reward, pause to say a prayer for them. And, of course, if you are a grandfather or grandmother, then we all thank you for everything you do.

Lastly, things children say…

A 6 year old was asked where his grandma lived. “Oh”, he said, “she lives at the airport, and when we want her, we just go get her. Then, when we’re done having her visit, we take her back to the airport.”

And an 8 year old: “Grandparents don’t have to do anything except be there when we come to see them.”

Fr Matthew