Grandparents Mr. Tuvita and Mrs. Maria Tamatawale are parents to two Columban Lay Missionary daughters and proud grandparents to 20 beautiful grandchildren. Photo: Sai Tamatawale
Grandparents are like tall standing trees under which children stand to find shelter, rest, and play. They are extra sets of arms to cuddle, hands to wipe tears, and silliness to make children giggle with delight!
Grandparenthood is like a gracious stage of parenthood, where they can love, nurture, and protect children with the wisdom collected over time.
Grandparents have kitchens full of yummy treats and pockets full of sweets; they cook, they buy, and make sure no tummy leaves their home empty.
Grandparents are wise; they are teachers who give good advice because they have lived long lives.
Grandparents worry about the future, especially their grandchildren. What will the world be like for them? How can we protect their future?
Grandparents pray, so that even if they live far away, they whisper the sweet names of their grandchildren to God in devoted thanksgiving.
Grandparents are angels on earth who are rich in love, powerful in protection, and a safe place for shelter when the world gets scary.
We thank God for grandparents; for the love they share, the sacrifices they make, and for embracing and living out their faith so parents can pass on this powerful gift to their children.
We pray for grandparents and the elderly who play the role of parents and faithfully care for them in the absence of mothers and fathers.
We pray for the grandparents who may not see their grandchildren as often as they like; those who are sad or lonely, may God make a way for reconciliation and healing.
We pray for the children who may not experience biological grandparents in their lives; may God bring them safe and kind elders who play the role of grandparents, so children do not miss out on all the loving fun that grandparents provide.
Saint Joachim and Saint Anne, you were the parents of the blessed Virgin Mary and grandparents to our Lord Jesus Christ. You desired children but grew older without this being fulfilled. Through fervent prayer, God miraculously answered with a baby girl, and through her a child was born, Emmanuel - God is with us.
Saint Joachim and Saint Anne, may you guide grandfathers and grandmothers in fervent prayer over their grandchildren and all children who may come under their shelter. Help them to be examples of God's love and grace, to demonstrate kindness and safety, while joyfully experiencing the blessings of new life and inter-generational connection.
We pray all this in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Adi Mariana Waqa is the Regional Partnership Coordinator at St Columbans, Essendon.
