Father Hathaway’s Column — July 26, 2026
HONORING OUR GRANDPARENTS & THE ELDERLY
July 26 is World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, instituted by Pope Francis in 2021 for the fourth Sunday in July. It occurs on the Sunday closest to the Feast of Saints Anne and Joachim, parents of Mary and the earthly grandparents of Jesus. (Their official feast day is July 26, superseded this year because it falls on a Sunday.)
To be the parents of the mother of Jesus, Joachim and Anne must have been faithful, devoted parents indeed. Saint Joachim is the patron of grandfathers, fathers and grandparents. Saint Anne’s patronage includes grandparents, couples without children, women in labor and women unable to conceive. They are the patrons of our parish’s Saints Anne and Joachim Society for those 55 and older. To learn about the group and its programs, contact Barbara Juszczyk at bjuszczyk@stmaryoldtown.org,
The theme chosen by Pope Leo XIV for World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly 2026 is “I will never forget you” (Isaiah 49:15). In his message for the day, the Holy Father says: “It is a joy, at any age, but especially when= we are no longer young, to discover that we are the recipients of God’s undying love, that He always has His eyes open on us, even when it seems to be dark.” Read his full message at https://bit.ly/4wTZ7fn
MARTHA, MARY & LAZARUS
The Church celebrates another family with the Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus on Wednesday, July 29. This feast day expands what had long been an obligatory memorial devoted to Martha alone. In 2021, Pope Francis made it a joint obligatory memorial to honor the three siblings from Bethany, highlighting their evangelical witness, close friendship with Jesus and the hospitality they offered Our Lord during His earthly ministry. Jesus visited the home of Martha, Mary and Lazarus often. In John 11:5, we read: “Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” In His sacred humanity, spending time with beloved friends must have provided Jesus with a welcome respite when He could relax and care for His friends and allow them to care for Him. Wherever we go for respite and solace, especially in these late weeks of summer, may we always take Jesus with us, creating a “Bethany” to share that time with Him.
CONGRATS TO NEW K of C OFFICERS
Congratulations to the outstanding parish men who will serve as officers of our Knights of Columbus Fitzgerald Council #459 for the coming year.
Installed on July 19 include:
Grand Knight Steven Teslik,
Deputy Grand Knight Ryan Joyce,
Chancellor Jim Burkart,
Treasurer John Kim,
Advocate James Daniels,
Inside Guard Larry Clark,
Outside Guard Keith Matthews,
First-Year Trustee Chris Zettler,
Third-Year Trustee Michael Karau,
Chaplain Father Jason Burchell,
Financial Secretary Zach Waters,
Lecturer Chris Zettler,
Family Director James Daniels,
Community Director Chris Zettler
Life Director Steven Teslik.
May God bless these men and all the good they do for our parish and community. I look forward to great things from them this coming year!