Valencia experienced a memorable day at the Veles e Vents building in La Marina, where Grandparents’ Day was celebrated, promoted by Mensajeros de la Paz and Father Ángel, coinciding with the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne. More than 300 people attended the tribute to those who represent our living memory, the emotional pillars, and transmitters of values in our families.

The celebration began with a field Mass presided over by Auxiliary Bishop Fernando Ramón Casas, who emphasized that we must remember that “We must be protagonists of the revolution of gratitude and care, and that every time we visit an elderly person, it is a way of encountering Jesus.”

Journalist Luis del Olmo then delivered a moving speech, which brought smiles and a few tears, before the presentation of honorary diplomas. Among the awardees were Carlos San Juan, promoter of the “I am old, not an idiot” campaign; María Luisa García Merita, president of the Valencian Council for Older Persons; and Father Rafael Herrero, a priest who, after a lifetime of pastoral work, is now also a proud grandfather.

The Mayor of Valencia, María José Catalá, who was present at the event, expressed her gratitude to Father Ángel for celebrating Grandparents’ Day in Valencia and for giving us an opportunity to stop and thank all the elderly for the efforts they have made to ensure a better quality of life for all of us.

The day culminated with musical performances that filled La Marina with rhythm and collective memory: artists such as Sole Giménez, Los Chichos, and the Mensajeros de la Paz Youth Choir. Among the most anticipated remarks of the event, those of Father Ángel resonated powerfully: “As Pope Francis said, the best way to thank grandparents is to be close to them. I would like to give special thanks to Chelo, the President of Mensajeros de la Paz in the Valencian Community, for her tireless work in this community.”

It was an exciting event that highlights the important role older adults play in families and society.