Pope Francis has established the fourth Sunday of July to be celebrated from now on as the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly. Yesterday was the first annual such celebration, and it came at the moment when so many elderly and grandparents have experienced neglect and isolation as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel restrictions, nursing-home policies, and fear for their safety prevented loved ones from visiting and embracing grandparents.
Most of us have been moved by the image of so many elderly gazing longingly out the window at loved ones just outside, who were not able to join them for the joy of sharing an embrace, a meal, a birthday, a Christmas celebration, or an Easter celebration.
Pope Francis has encouraged grandchildren to visit grandparents and the elderly. Many parishes offered special Masses and other liturgies thanking God for the gift of grandparents.
It’s providential that this recognition of grandparents lands the day before the memorial of Jesus’ grandparents, Ann and Joachim.
In his message, the Pope summoned grandparents to recognize and be renewed in their sacred calling to be guardians of the connection between their family’s history and salvation history, and to pass on the faith to young people.
"Grandparents and seniors, what is our vocation, today, at our age? It is to preserve our roots, to pass on the faith to the young, and to care for the little ones." He called grandparents and elders to be a living memory. "Keeping memory alive and sharing it with others is a true mission for every elderly person." He continued to call upon grandparents and elders to bring wisdom and build memories and share their faith:
"Memory is the foundation of life, and grandparents have a key role in establishing their grandchildren not only in strong family roots and stories but also in the history of the faith. Grandparents are prophets who bring the wisdom and experience of the past to guide the present and the future. There is no retirement age from the work of proclaiming the Gospel and handing down traditions to your grandchildren."
Grandparents are the ultimate good guys, who can give lavish love and attention on grandchildren, and then send them home to their parents who have a different role to play in educating and rearing their children.
Three of my brothers have grandchildren, and I like to call them patriarchs, because they love watching their children grow as parents and delight in seeing the grandchildren grow up before their eyes.
The future of the world and the Church depends on the covenant of love between the young and the old.
Young people, never forget to celebrate grandparents, great aunts, and uncles, to thank them, to spend time with them, to pray for them.
Grandparents and elders, take this vocation seriously to pass on the precious gift of the faith.
Never, never, never think of retiring from being prophets and evangelists for the young.
Amen.
- Father Willy's inspirational homily was recorded live this morning during Mass at the Father Peyton Center. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)
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To view Rosary prayer and Mass streaming live, please visit our Facebook page at 11:30 am EST, Monday – Friday. Please invite your loved ones to join us too! (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)
