Legacy of Love and Prayer: St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral Salutes Grandparents and Elderly Priests of the Archdiocese

Bangalore, July 26: In a heartwarming celebration filled with faith, joy, and reverence, St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, Bangalore, observed Grandparents Day with great devotion and festivity under the leadership of Rt. Rev. Arokiaraj Satis Kumar, Rector of the Cathedral. The day was a fitting tribute to the elderly pillars of families who have passed on the legacy of faith and love across generations. 

The Holy Eucharist was solemnly celebrated by Rev. Fr Maria Selvam, who offered the Mass in a special way for all grandparents, thanking them for the faith and hope they have sown in their families and in the Church. Reflecting on the occasion, Fr Maria Selvam shared, “Grandparents are the living roots of our faith—through their wisdom and life witness, we draw strength and direction in our spiritual journey.” 

The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Christopher White, extended warm greetings and heartfelt wishes to all grandparents gathered. In his message, he stated, “This day reminds us to cherish and honour the love and sacrifices of our grandparents. They are a blessing to every home and to the Church.” He also took the opportunity to felicitate the large gathering of elderly faithful, expressing the community’s deep gratitude. 

Rev. Fr Alwyn, Assistant Parish Priest, added his own joyful greetings, saying, “Our grandparents are the unsung heroes of every family—they’ve held us together in prayer and taught us the meaning of unconditional love.” 

A highlight of the celebration was the presence of senior priests of the Archdiocese, including Rev. Fr Arockiadass, Rev. Fr Lawrence Noronha, and Rev. Fr John Abraham, who concelebrated the Holy Mass, symbolising the generational wisdom and service of the Church’s elders. 

The Cathedral witnessed a massive turnout of grandparents from the parish, each honoured with blessings and gratitude. The celebration continued after the Eucharist with a vibrant cultural programme, where children and parishioners presented songs & dances adding colour and cheer to the occasion. 

Bishop Arokiaraj Satis Kumar, in his concluding address, felicitated the grandparents and elderly priests, and thanked them for being strong foundations of the Church. “Your prayers, sacrifices, and silent service have built not just families, but a faith-filled community,” he said with warmth and admiration.  

This beautiful celebration is a call to every parish and faithful across the Archdiocese and beyond — let us cherish, honour, and celebrate our grandparents. Let their lives remind us of God’s faithfulness across generations and inspire us to build a Church grounded in gratitude and love. 

To witness this soul-stirring event, watch the celebration here: Click to Watch