This year’s message is “In old age they will still bear fruit” (Psalm 92:15). - Photo:canva.com
In January 2021, Pope Francis announced a new celebration to honour grandparents and the elderly to be celebrated throughout the universal Church on the fourth Sunday of July each year. In his message the Pope says the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly “is an opportunity to proclaim once more, with joy, that the Church wants to celebrate together with all those whom the Lord – in the words of the Bible – has filled with days.” Pope Francis says this year’s message “in old age they will still bear fruit” (Psalm 92:15), runs counter to what the world often thinks about this stage of life and to the resignation that can be “shown by some of us elderly people, who harbour few expectations for the future.” Pope Francis challenges stereotypes, the fear of old age and the casting aside of elderly people and their concerns.
Pope Francis says old age is not a stage of life easily understood, “even by those of us who are already experiencing it.” The Pope says, “we ought to take care of ourselves and remain active in our later years.” He encourages the elderly to care for their prayer life, to maintain close personal relationships and be open to new opportunities. Pope Francis says, “old age is no time to give up and lower the sails, but a season of enduring fruitfulness.” The Pope affirms that God is lovingly present at every stage of life and says, “like 'green olive trees in the house of God' (cf. Ps 52:10), we can become a blessing for those who live next to us.”
The ongoing global pandemic has exacerbated feelings of isolation and loss of hope, and has particularly impacted elderly people living alone or in aged care. Painful memories can be triggered by armed conflicts occurring around the world at this time, particularly amongst those who grew up in war zones. Pope Francis expresses sensitivity about these realities and lifts up the dignity and wisdom that comes from lived experience. The Pope says, “many of us have come to a sage and humble realization of what our world very much needs: the recognition that we are not saved alone, and that happiness is a bread we break together. Let us bear witness to this before those who wrongly think that they can find personal fulfilment and success in conflict.” He says, “Dear grandparents, dear elderly persons, we are called to be artisans of the revolution of tenderness in our world!”
Pope Francis urges everyone to make The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly known, and says, “let us remember grandparents and the elderly are the bread that nourishes our lives.” The Pope urges everyone to seek out elderly persons, particularly those who are most isolated. He says, “visiting the elderly who live alone is a work of mercy in our time!”
Pope Francis invites everyone to ask “Our Lady, Mother of Tender Love, to make all of us artisans of the revolution of tenderness, so that together we can set the world free from the spectre of loneliness and the demon of war.” (Read Pope Francis' message below)
Sr Caroline Vaitkunas RSM
Peace, Ecology and Justice Office
Columban Mission Centre, Essendon
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