The First World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly is here. Pope Francis established this annual celebration at the beginning of the year, in an effort to bridge the gap between younger generations and the elderly.
POPE FRANCIS
Feb. 1, 2021
“They remind us that old age is a gift and that grandparents are the link between generations, passing on the experience of life and faith to the youth. Grandparents are often forgotten, and we forget the richness of preserving our roots and of passing them on.”
VITTORIO SCELZO
Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life
“We want each community to find its own way of being close to their own elderly and grandparents. And above all, the Pope wants grandparents to take the initiative, the elderly to take the initiative. He wants them to be the driving force for change.”
Vittorio Scelzo is involved in the pastoral care of the elderly office within the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life. He says dozens of countries around the world will be celebrating the day with their own initiatives.
VITTORIO SCELZO
Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life
“In Peru, they organized a week for grandparents. In Brazil they're dedicating a lot of time to the elderly, grandparents, pastoral care. There's been a lot of work in Argentina, where they usually celebrate the day for the elderly on the Feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne. We've been receiving news from all over the world really.”
The Vatican will celebrate the day with a Mass in St. Peter's Basilica. Two thousand people are expected to attend. Among them will be grandparents and elderly persons accompanied by family and friends.
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