On the fourth Sunday of July this year, we celebrate the 3rd World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, established by Pope Francis in 2021, and observed near the feast of the grandparents of Jesus, St. Joachim and St. Anne. In 2020, the silent and sudden arrival of the Covid-19 coronavirus hit the older population, who were particularly vulnerable, resulting in unfortunate deaths.
In the early stages of the pandemic, visits to nursing homes were suspended due to the contagiousness of the virus. Many elderly were confined and endured loneliness and isolation. In 2021, Pope Francis established World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly to encourage people to remember their grandparents to safeguard this foundation of the society.
Caring for the elderly and maintaining communication between the old and the young generations has been a topic of great concern for the pope. Grandparents and the young people share a close relationship and should engage in frequent dialogue.
As World Youth Day approaches, the pope is encouraging young people to first visit their grandparents or pay a visit to the elderly who live alone before they make their journey to Portugal. Through companionship, young people show respect for the elderly, letting them know that they are cared for and not abandoned. In return, young people receive the blessings and wisdom of those who have travelled the road of life before them. This mutual care and attentive listening is a meaningful relationship of love.
Pope Francis has repeatedly stressed that old age is a grace and that the elderly should pass on their life experiences and faith to the younger generations. Indeed, the elderly have dedicated their lives to society and, in their old age, deserve respect and a dignified life.
Many parishes in Hong Kong and the St. Vincent de Paul Society regularly visit the elderly who live alone. For example, St. James’ Parish has set up an Elderly Association many years ago to hold regular gatherings to support and connect different elderly parishioners, encouraging their participation in parish activities and strengthening their sense of belonging. The parish also holds monthly Masses for the elderly, offering blessings and prayers for their intentions. Furthermore, Caritas-Hong Kong offers various types of support to address the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of the elderly.
Let us express gratitude for the selfless contributions of grandparents and the elderly and learn from the wisdom of their life experiences. May the elderly take pride in their identity, saying, “Lord, I thank you for having given me a family and for having blessed me with a long life. I thank you for moments of joy and difficulty, for the dreams that have already come true in my life and for those that are still ahead of me. I thank you for this time of renewed fruitfulness to which you call me” [Excerpt from the Prayer for Grandparents and the Elderly]. SE
