Grandparents are present in all the activities and responsibilities carried out in Fondacio. The Elderly, for many years, we have named them in our community, with fraternity and respect: the Elders. They are increasingly numerous.
Good news concerns Grandparents and Elderly People, as well as their loved ones - children, grandchildren, friends, families. Pope Francis decided at the end of May to institute the "World Day of Grandparents and Elderly People". A day that will be celebrated every year throughout the Church, on the fourth Sunday of July.
This year 2021, this day will be celebrated on Sunday, July 25.
You can watch and listen to Pope Francis' message here
Pope Francis takes as a reference in the Scriptures, the grandparents of Jesus: Anne and Joachim to speak with delicacy and affection of the richness that they represent for the generations who receive from their experiences, their testimonies, their wisdom.
The theme of this day: "I am with you always", is a source of hope and peace. Referring to the Gospel of Matthew (chapter 28, verse 20), this theme manifests God's concern for each person, whether grandparent or elder, a human and spiritual treasure for all families.
The Pope wishes, with this, to underline the urgency of granting Grandparents and the Elderly adequate pastoral attention capable of consciously enhancing their spiritual resources, particularly in this time of pandemic which has put them to a very severe test.
For this day of Sunday, July 25, 2021, Pope Francis addresses a letter to Grandparents and Elderly People. You will find it attached. Read it. Meditate on it. Make it known to your Elders. Better yet, have it distributed by their grandchildren as a gift from the heart that marks the recognition and tenderness that are due to them.
Read Pope Francis' letter here
On the occasion of this first World Day, a prayer has been written and is proposed to the Elders to be read and meditated on daily.
- A prayer of thanksgiving for times of joy and for times of difficulty
- Prayer that speaks of hope and trust
- Prayer to witness God's work in every life and for the gospel to be known
- Prayer to the Holy Spirit for the renewal of the face of the world
- Prayer that affirms, in weakness, that God is with everyone, every day until the end of time.
Read the prayer here
In the coming months, we will offer reflections, activities and projects around this theme "I am with you every day", to nourish hope and faith, to work towards transmitting what Grandparents and Elders have to offer, to remember with them where we come from and thus better know where we are and where we are going.
To you Grandparents and Elders, members of Fondacio or not, be assured of our gratitude and support. May peace and joy rest upon you.
PS: Denis and Marie Jacob have accepted the mandate to be, on behalf of Fondacio, the coordinators of the pastoral care of “Grandparents and the Elderly” in our community, being in contact with the other countries where Fondacio is present and with the “Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life”.
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