GRANDPARENTS ARE WITNESSES
OF THE FUNDAMENTAL VALUES OF LIFE
26 JULY 2009
On Sunday 26 July 2009, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI gave the reminder to honour grandparents and the elderly. The pontiff commented on the liturgical commemoration of Sts Joachim and Anne [the Western feast day is July 26, the Eastern feast day is July 25].
Jesus' grandparents
Pope Benedict XVI said: "A second point for reflection comes from (the) liturgical commemoration of Saints Joachim and Anne, parents of Our Lady, and therefore, grandparents of Jesus."
Grandparents are depositories and witnesses
"This occasion makes us think of the subject of education which has an important place in the pastoral work of the Church. In particular, it invites us to pray for grandparents, who, in the family, are the depositories and often witnesses of the fundamental values of life."
Educational task of grandparents
"The educational task of grandparents is always very important, and it becomes even more so when, for various reasons, the parents are unable to provide their children with an adequate presence while they are growing up."
Special blessing for grandparents
"I entrust to the protection of St Anne and St Joachim all the grandparents of the world and bestow on them a special blessing. May the Virgin Mary who - according to a beautiful iconography - learned to read the Sacred Scriptures at he rmother Anne's knee, help them always to nourish their faith and hope at the sources of the Word of God." [1]
Family in society
Paul Zalonski observed that "considering the place of the family in our society, the Pope mentioned Saints Joachim and Anne . . . Careful observers of (Pope) Benedict's work will notice that he comes back to a constant theme with the vital importance he places on education in Church's pastoral care program." [2]
Difficulties experienced by elderly
Mr Zalonski also noted that the Holy Father also mentioned "all elderly people, especially those who are alone or experiencing moments of difficulty." [2]
Vital role
Catherine Wiley, founder of the Catholic Grandparents Association, stressed the important role grandparents can play in passing on the faith and keeping prayer at the heart of family life. [3]
Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life
A Vatican conference on pastoral care of the elderly entitled, "The Richness of Many Years of Life" took place in Rome in early 2020. Catherine Wiley was one of the participants.
The event, organized by Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life looked at how to deal with the culture of 'discarding' the elderly, as well as their role in the family and their particular vocation in the church. [3]
Vital role of elderly in church life
Catherine emphasized the vital role of the elderly and grandparents can play in the life of the church. There is an opportunity, she said, to look at ages and stages of grandparents and the elderly and how they fit into the community. "We need in every community and in every parish a ministry for grandparents and the elderly, not just somebody who's slotted into the role because they have nothing else to do; somebody who is part and parcel, who's competent, who's professional, who can see the needs in the parish a mile off." [3]
Loneliness and depression
Catherine pointed out that some of the elderly can experience loneliness and depression. She stressed that there are so many older lay people who have the wisdom, experience and the skills to be a vital asset in the community and it is important to 'get them on board.' [3]
Storytelling
One of the most important and often underestimated qualities the elderly possess is the ability to tell a story. Passing the faith on from grandparents to grandchildren through storytelling is vital ministry.
Role of the elderly
The role of the elderly is to be treasured in society. Many a disaster has been avoided due to wise guidance from a grandparent or elder. The Scriptures tell us God will soften our juedgement when we show kindness to the elderly.
12 "My child, help your father in his old age,
and do not grieve him as long as he lives;
13 even if his mind fails, be patient with him;
because you have all your faculties do not despise him.
14 For kindness to a father wil not be forgotten,
and will be credited to you against your sins." Sirach 3:12-14
[1] L'Osservatore Romano. Vatican City, Roma. Forty-second year, number 30 (2015), Wednesday, 29 July 2009
[2] Zalonski, Paul A. Communio: Pope Benedict XVI: July 2009 archives. "Benedict reminds us to honor grandparents, and the elderly"
http://communio.stblogs.org/pope-benedict-xvi/2009/07/
[3] Vatican News. The vital role of grandparents in church and family life
With thanks to L'Osservatore Romano, communio.stblogs.org and vaticannews.va
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