In 2021, the pope established that the The Catholic Church would celebrate the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly on the fourth Sunday of July each yearThis year, the celebration will take place on July 28.
According to the site Vatican News, the information portal of the Holy See, the recommendation of the pontiff is in line with the The motto of the Day is “Do not abandon me in my old age”, inspired by Psalm 71.
Indeed, the Bishop of Rome explains that “God never abandons his children,” “not even when age advances and strength wanes, when grey hair appears and social status declines, when life becomes less productive and risks seeming useless.”
In addition, World Grandparents Day is also celebrated in honor of Saint Anne and Saint Joachim, parents of the Virgin Mary.according to Christian tradition.
Francis affirms that “Sacred Scripture, as a whole, is a narrative of the Lord’s faithful love, from which emerges a consoling certainty.” He also points out that “God continues to show us his mercy always, at every stage of life and in whatever condition we find ourselves in, even in our betrayals,” he said. Vatican News.
He Pope Francis, in a message published this Saturday 27 July 20, 2018 in his X account, he urges to be close to the elderly: “Being close to the elderly, recognizing the irreplaceable role they have in the family, in society and in the Church”
By being close to the elderly, recognizing the irreplaceable role they have in the family, in society and in the Church, we will receive many gifts, numerous graces, many blessings. #GrandparentsandElderly
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) July 27, 2024
In May 2024, for example, on the official Vatican website, The Pope referred to the many causes of loneliness faced by many older people.
For example, in various countries, “especially in the poorest, the elderly are alone because their children have been forced to emigrate.” Francis also broadens his perspective to the numerous situations of conflict, noting: “How many elderly people are left alone because men – young and old – have been called to fight, and women, especially mothers with small children, leave the country to ensure the safety of their children.”
Pope Francis’ advice on showing tenderness to grandparents
For the 2024 edition, he has emphasized the need not to abandon the elderly and not to leave them alone in the context of an individualistic society where they often “fall victim” to what he calls “the throwaway culture.”
During his pontificate, The Pope has made numerous references to the importance of caring for and valuing the elderly.. Some of the messages highlighted in the publication of Vatican News son:
- “The contrast between generations is a deception and a poisoned fruit of the culture of confrontation. Setting young people against old people is an unacceptable manipulation; “the unity of the ages of life is at stake, that is, the true point of reference for understanding and appreciating human life in its entirety.”
- “Common belongings are in crisis and individualities are asserting themselves; the passage from “we” to “I” is one of the most obvious signs of our times. The family, which is the first and most radical opposition to the idea that we can save ourselves alone, is one of the victims of this individualistic culture. But when one grows older, as one’s strength diminishes, the mirage of individualism, the illusion of not needing anyone and of being able to live without ties, is revealed for what it is: instead one finds oneself in need of everything, but already alone, without any help, without having anyone to count on. It is a sad discovery that many make when it is already too late.”
- “She does not hesitate to overturn what seems to be an immutable reality; living alone cannot be the only alternative! It is no coincidence that Ruth – the one who stayed behind to accompany the elderly Naomi – is an ancestor of the Messiah (cf. Mt 1:5), of Jesus, the Emmanuel, the One who is “God with us”, the One who brings the closeness and proximity of God to all men, of all conditions and of all ages.”
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