Living day to day with our Residents in our Home, brings to life the theme of Pope Francis’ Encounter with the Elderly and Grandparents on September 28th, 2014. He wanted to ask their prayers for the upcoming Synod on the Family, and has often remarked how important the elderly are for society.
Prepared by the Pontifical Council For the Family the Holy Father listened to testimonies of seniors from around the world, and encouraged them to support their families, and the whole Church, with their counsels and prayer.
He said: “Old age, in particular, is a time of grace, in which the Lord will renew his call: calls us to preserve and transmit the faith, calls us to pray, especially to intercede; calls us to be close to those who maybe in need. The elderly – grandparents [especially] – have a capacity to understand the most difficult situations: a great ability – and when they pray for these situations, their prayer is strong. It is powerful. “
In a society where the number of elderly increases more and more, and yet, that seems to ignore them and their inherent dignity and value, this message of our Holy Father is worth being brought to a wide audience.
Here is the full speech:
Pope Francis: Meeting with elderly in St Peter’s Square
More on Catholic Grandparents:
Catholic Grandparents Association
And on the upcoming Synod (from the USCCB)
2014-2015 Synods of Bishops on the Family
The Blessing of A Long Life