This weekend, Rome is set to welcome a huge crowd of more than 60,000 pilgrims from around the world for a very special event celebrating families, children, grandparents, and the elderly.
The Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents, and the Elderly will take place from Friday, May 30 to Sunday, June 1, marking a key part of the broader Jubilee 2025 celebrations.
Three Generations United in Faith and Joy
What makes this event stand out is its focus on bringing together three generations — parents, kids, and grandparents — to celebrate family bonds through prayer, pilgrimages, and joyful activities.
The atmosphere is expected to be both spiritually uplifting and fun, with the theme centered on the importance of family unity.
Pilgrims from Across the Globe Join the Celebration
According to the organizers, the largest groups of visitors will arrive from Italy, Spain, the United States, Poland, and Portugal.
But participants will come from far and wide, including countries in Latin America, Canada, the UK, Germany, the Philippines, and various African nations, truly making this a global gathering.
Special Role of Grandparents and Ecclesial Movements
Several religious groups will have a strong presence at the jubilee, notably the Catholic Grandparents Association.
This international group, founded in Ireland in 2001 by Catherine Wiley, supports and encourages the vital spiritual and pastoral role grandparents play within the Church community.
Another important participant will be the Neocatechumenal Way, a movement started in Madrid in 1964 by Kiko Argüello and Carmen Hernández, known for its focus on adult faith formation and community.
Pilgrimages and Family Festival Highlight the Weekend
The festivities kick off on Friday, May 30, with families making pilgrimages to the Holy Doors of four of Rome’s most iconic basilicas:
St. Peter’s, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls.
Passing through these doors symbolizes spiritual renewal for the pilgrims.
One of the standout moments will be Saturday evening’s “Family Festival” in St. John Lateran Square.
From 6:30 to 8 p.m., families can enjoy a lively concert mixed with prayer, creating a joyful space where faith and community come alive in the heart of Rome.