This Sunday, 25 July, the inaugural World Grandparents and The Elderly Day is being celebrated globally.
Announced by Pope Francis, the Day acknowledges and honours all elderly people and grandparents. The theme is I am with you always and is inspired by Jesus’ message to his disciples before he ascended into Heaven from Matthew 28:20. The Day comes at a particularly relevant time, in the middle of a global pandemic where many grandparents and older people have been separated from families and young people in their lives.
“We must let older people know that they are needed and that they are essential to building the world of tomorrow,” Pope Francis declared.
“The pandemic swept down on us like an unexpected and furious storm; it has been a time of trial for everyone, but especially for us elderly persons.”
The Pope encourages grandparents and the elderly to allow their hearts to remain open and he reassures them that the church is always close, providing comfort in times of need.
The Pope said he was aware that his message was being given at a particularly difficult time but reiterated that he thought that dreams, memories and prayers would help elders build a more robust and positive world after the pandemic.
At Catholic Healthcare, many of our Homes will stop to celebrate World Grandparents and The Elderly Day.
Anna, a resident from St Hedwig Village in Blacktown, is a mother of four children, grandmother of seven and a great-grandmother of nine. She takes personal comfort in the Pope’s message.
“The Pope’s message on the power of the prayers of the elderly is particularly important,” says Anna.
“I find solace in attending Mass at the chapel at the Village each week. It is a way for me to find a quiet escape and have some time for myself, and with God,” says Anna.
In his message, Pope Francis also reassured the elderly that “the church is always close”. This is something that Caterina, Pastoral Care Coordinator at St Hedwig Village can relate to. Her work enables her to provide reassurance to the residents that they can rely on the church and God for support in times of need.
“I enjoy the one-to-one sessions I have with the residents,” says Caterina. “Many have interesting or sad stories to tell about their years in the war for example. I value their wisdom and it is often just a matter of whether they are willing and able to share their insights.”
Pictured above: Caterina, Pastoral Care Coordinator at St Hedwig Village
Anna and Caterina shared their story with Catholic Outlook, the Diocese of Parramatta publication. Click on the link below to read the Catholic Outlook story.
The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly is to be celebrated every year on the fourth Sunday in July.