Sights and Sounds: Grandparents as ‘theologians of mercy’

“Jesus came into a family with grandparents.”

This was a realization that Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, had when he visited the Shrine of Saint-Anne-de-Beaupré in Québec and spotted Saint Anne in the background of a manger scene.

He shared the story at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart on Sept. 12, at a Mass honoring grandparents. The liturgy concluded a day organized by the archdiocese’s Office for Family Life Ministry titled, “Treasures Among Us: Celebrating and Honoring Grandparents,” as part of the 2026 World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.

Showing us how we need each other

In his homily, Cardinal Tobin reflected on the many important roles grandparents play in the lives of families. He cited the difficulty of forgiving and how grandparents are “the greatest theologians of mercy.”

“They’ve survived long seasons of life,” he said. “They have seen friendships fade and heal. They’ve watched marriages weather fierce storms. They’ve made their own mistakes and then experienced the mercy of God firsthand.”

Cardinal Tobin also defended the dignity of the elderly in a society that he said emphasized “putting oneself first,” and he highlighted the Church’s disappointed with laws in Canada — where Saint-Anne-de-Beaupré is located — that allow for assisted suicide even if natural death is not foreseeable.

“Each person, together with their families, has irreplaceable dignity,” the cardinal said. “Our elders are living protesting as the lie that we don’t need each other.”

Transmitters of faith

Finally, Cardinal Tobin highlighted grandparents’ role in transmitting the Catholic faith to new generations. “Faith is taught and is shared naturally, like food at the family table, the stories told in the rocking chair, the rosary beads grasped by wrinkled hands; a faithful example of a life well-lived,” he said.

During the Mass, he also offered the grandparents a blessing.

The cardinal’s message resonated with grandparents in the congregation. Sue, a grandmother of four, attended the liturgy with her husband. When asked about what imparting the faith to her grandchildren meant to her, she remarked that it was “the best part of my life.”

“If my children had ever told me not to (share my faith), I don’t know how I could have survived because the Lord is so important to me and to my husband,” she said.

To view more images from the Mass and Blessing of Grandparents, CLICK HERE.

Each week, Jersey Catholic features the rich and inspiring “Sights & Sounds” of the Archdiocese of Newark. Visit us regularly to explore our vibrant parishes, sacred artworks, historic landmarks, and the faithful men, women, and youth who bring our Catholic community to life.

You can view a video of the Mass below:

Featured image: Cardinal Tobin celebrated a Mass for grandparents across the Archdiocese of Newark on Sept 12. (Photos by Julio Eduardo Herrera / Archdiocese of Newark)