By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
HOLY SEA
His Holiness Pope Francis I has asked the youths world over not to abandon and push the elderly on the margins of life but become their cause of hope.
“Let us not abandon them. Their presence in families and communities is a precious one, for it reminds us that we share the same heritage and are part of a people committed to preserving its roots. From the elderly we received the gift of belonging to God’s holy people. The Church, as well as society, needs them, for they entrust to the present the past that is needed to build the
future. Let us honour them, neither depriving ourselves of their company nor depriving them of ours. May we never allow the elderly to be cast aside!” said Pope Francis I.
The pontiff made this call in a message for the third world day of grandparents and the elderly due July 23.
According to the Holy Father, abandoning grandparents and the elderly is one of the tragic behaviors among the youths today. He implored the youths to create strong bonds and relationship with the elderly because it gives them hope that they are not rejected.
“Friendship with an older person can help the young to see life not only in terms of the present and realize that not everything depends on them and their abilities. For the elderly, the presence of a young person in their lives can give them hope that their experience will not be lost and that their dreams can find fulfillment,” the pontiff said
Additionally, the Holy Father appealed to the youths across the world to visit the lonely grandparents and the elderly noting that they are sources of blessings. He further urged the elderly to accompany the young people with prayers ahead of the celebrations.
This year’s world day for grandparents and the elderly will be celebrated in Lisbon on July 23, however, dioceses, parishes and communities are also urged to hold celebrations in their respective jurisdictions.
