In Rome, Cardinal Angelo De Donatis presided over the second day dedicated to grandparents and the elderly.
The ceremony was held at the Altar of the Chair at the back of St. Peter's Basilica.
This year, Pope Francis was not able to attend as he was already on his way to Canada. However, the Cardinal Vicar for the Diocese of Rome first spoke regarding the Pope.
CARD. ANGELO DE DONATIS
My first thought is for Pope Francis, who is on his way to Canada. He wanted this day to be for you, the elderly, so that with your families and the Church, you could feel everyone's affection and support.
The Cardinal recalled how grandparents can be essential in transmitting the faith. And he asked young people not to abandon them.
CARD. ANGELO DE DONATIS
God is waiting for you to knock on His door by passing through your grandparents' door. And their door is not far away. It is the door of the home that has helped you grow. Visit the elderly who are the most lonely.
Like the World Meeting of Families, Pope Francis wanted the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly to be celebrated in dioceses around the world. That is why the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life promoted this celebration on a local level.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell (01:05:15), prefect of the dicastery, was one of the concelebrants together with Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, the archpriest of St. Peter's Basilica.
For this reason, the choir of the Diocese of Rome participated in the celebration rather than the Sistine Chapel choir.
JRB
TR: KG
