This month’s celebration of the first World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, instituted by Pope Francis, struck a note with me and I’m sure for many others as well.
In my Pacific island culture, the elders in our families and in our villages are deeply honoured and I have beautiful memories of my grandparents and their special role in my life.
It makes me sad to see the devaluation of the elderly in some parts of our western culture. We live in a society which values productivity and busyness and which all too often sweeps aside the wisdom and experience of seniors who are no longer associated with their job or profession.
You only have to visit your local aged care centre to see many lonely older people, who may only rarely receive a visit from their ‘busy’ children or grandchildren. Of course, many older people, even with loving and attentive families, have been isolated during the COVID pandemic
But in his message for the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, Pope Francis tackles this sense of loneliness head-on, reminding our senior citizens of Jesus’ promise to us all: “I am with you always”.
“’I am with you always’ (Mt 28:20): this is the promise the Lord made to his disciples before he ascended into heaven,” the Pope says in his message.
“They are the words that he repeats to you today, dear grandfathers and grandmothers, dear elderly friends. ‘I am with you always’ are also the words that I, as Bishop of Rome and an elderly person like yourselves, would like to address to you on this first World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly. The whole Church is close to you – to us – and cares about you, loves you and does not want to leave you alone!
“I am well aware that this Message comes to you at a difficult time: 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. Many of us fell ill, others died or experienced the death of spouses or loved ones, while others found themselves isolated and alone for long periods.
“The Lord is aware of all that we have been through in this time. He is close to those who felt isolated and alone, feelings that became more acute during the pandemic.”
The Pope also reminds our seniors that at this important time in history they have a renewed vocation, even in their old age.
“Think about it: what is our vocation today, at our age? To preserve our roots, to pass on the faith to the young and to care for the little ones. Never forget this,” he says.
“It makes no difference how old you are, whether you still work or not, whether you are alone or have a family, whether you became a grandmother or grandfather at a young age or later, whether you are still independent or need assistance. Because there is no retirement age from the work of proclaiming the Gospel and handing down traditions to your grandchildren. You just need to set out and undertake something new.”
As I remember my own grandparents and their role in developing my faith and my character, I give thanks. If you still have your grandparents, or if you know an elderly person who might be lonely or feeling under-appreciated, maybe today is a good time to give them a visit (if lockdowns permit where you live) or make a phone call and have a chat.
And if you are a grandparent or a senior citizen, never forget the importance of your renewed vocation to proclaim the Gospel and hand down traditions, remembering Jesus’ promise: “I am with you always”.
Yours in the Word,
Fr Asaeli Rass SVD,
Provincial.