Old age: 'not a burden to manage, but a gift to cherish'
The Vatican is promoting a shift in pastoral care for the elderly, moving beyond simple charity to fostering active relationships within families and parishes. This initiative, highlighted by the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, aims to combat the isolation exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why it matters
As global populations age, religious and social institutions are re-evaluating how to integrate older generations into community life rather than treating them as passive recipients of care.
By Lorena Leonardi "It is not enough to organize services; we must build relationships." Only in this way can "the certainty of not being forgotten by God" become "the daily experience of not being forgotten by one's parish and one's family." With these words, in an interview with Vatican News, Vittorio Scelzo, an official of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life and head of its pastoral care of the elderly, reflected on the six years since the institution of the World Day dedicated to grandparents and the elderly. This year it was celebrated on Sunday, 26 July, the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary—in other words, "Jesus' grandparents." The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly this year reached its sixth 'edition,' if you will. Looking back, what assessment can be made of the journey so far?
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in