Photo source: Ecclesia
Pope Francis has chosen the theme «In old age they will continue to bear fruit» for the Second World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, to be celebrated on July 24, with the intention of highlighting that «they constitute a value and a gift both for society and for ecclesial communities».
The Vatican said in a statement that Pope Francis has chosen this theme because «too often» the elderly «are kept on the margins of families and of civil and ecclesial communities».
«Their life and faith experiences can help build societies aware of their roots and capable of dreaming of a more supportive future,» but also their wisdom can be heard «in the context of the synodal journey that the Church has undertaken».
«The Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life invites parishes, dioceses, associations and ecclesial communities around the world to find ways to celebrate the Day in their own pastoral context, and for this purpose will make available the appropriate pastoral instruments,» statement concludes.
THE WORLD DAY OF GRANDPARENTS AND THE ELDERLY
We recall that, Pope Francis announced the institution of this Day after the Angelus prayer on Sunday, January 31, 2021, establishing the celebration on the fourth Sunday of July, close to the liturgical memory of Saints Joachim and Anne, grandparents of Jesus.
«Link» between generations to transmit to young people the experience of life and faith, «grandparents are often forgotten – the Pope stressed on that occasion – and we forget this richness of guarding the roots and transmitting them». Hence, the Pontiff’s decision to institute this World Day.
Source: Diocesan Service of Communication – Diocese of Mondoñedo-Ferrol