The fourth World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly will be held soon. More precisely, the date on which this day is celebrated is Sunday, July 28. This year, Pope Francis chose the theme ‘Do not cast me off in my old age’ in order to draw attention to the fact that loneliness is a big problem for the elderly.
Now he has written a whole message for this day in which he talks about the importance of the role of the elderly, but also how they should be given more attention and care. At the beginning of the message, the Pope emphasized that God does not abandon his children, even in advanced years. He added that he does not throw any stone, but also that the ‘old’ stone is a sure foundation on which the ‘new’ can be placed in order to form a spiritual house together. He added that God will be close even in old age, especially since aging is a sign of blessing in the Bible. The reasons for loneliness are different… He adds that there are many reasons for loneliness all over the world, from wars, separation from children due to emigration, but also due to schism and bad relations between younger and older people. It should be taken into account that the loneliness and abandonment of older people is the result of decisions – political, economic, social and personal – that do not recognize the infinite dignity of every human being ‘regardless of what state or situation the person is in’. Loneliness and rejection are common phenomena in the world today, and the causes are manifold. In some cases, they are the result of planned exclusion, a kind of regrettable ‘social conspiracy’. In other cases, unfortunately, it is a question of one’s own decision, the pope states in the message.
The most important thing is to stay with the elderly and appreciate their role even in old age. At the end, the Pope gave a blessing to the grandparents and the elderly, and asked them to pray for him. If we stay with the elderly and recognize their indispensable role in the family, society and the Church, we too will receive many gifts, many graces and many blessings! On this Fourth World Day dedicated to them, let’s not fail to show tenderness to grandparents and elderly people in our families, let’s visit those who have fallen in spirit and no longer hope that a different future is possible. Let’s contrast the selfish attitude that leads to rejection and loneliness with the open heart and joyful face of the one who has the courage to say: ‘I won’t leave you!’ and choose a different path. May my blessing, accompanied by prayers, reach all of you, dear grandparents and elderly people, and those who are close to you. Please don’t forget to pray for me, the Pope said.” ( www.mirovina.hr ) DT
