The 4th World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly brings with it a strong wave of hope, in the same direction as the Jubilee that is now just around the corner, which will begin next 24 December, and which Pope Francis has dedicated precisely to the theme of hope. On this 4th World Day dedicated to them, we want to show our tenderness to the grandparents and the elderly in our families and communities with an open heart and the joyful face of one who has the courage to say ‘I will not abandon you!’
PARAGUAY
In the social tapestry of Paraguay, grandparents play a fundamental role beyond being the pillars of the family, they are custodians of history, transmitting values, traditions and teachings to future generations.
Lic Fátima Pereira. Paraguay
AFRICA
To my beloved grandfather in Bouraka
On this very special day, I’d like to express my admiration for you and celebrate your presence among us as an elderly person, because you’re old but still young at heart.
We’re still the same inside.
Know that you are the perfect age.
Every year is special and precious.
You only live once.
Growing old is a privilege not given to everyone.
Through the transformations that time has imposed on your body, you are like an art gallery, a book with infinite pages that I must treasure and draw wisdom from from time to time.
I remain the support you need to flourish in your old age.
Never regret growing old.
Story of the young man walking with his grandfather
Pupil of Sr Pauline, Province of Central Africa
SPAIN
Near our community we have a park where many children go to play with their parents and/or grandparents. Sometimes they get together to celebrate birthdays or other events. I am struck by the gentleness with which the little ones treat the older ones and the tenderness and patience of the older ones towards them.
In my family we are four siblings. Our parents died very old, at home, surrounded by all their loved ones. One day when I was serving food to my dad, my five year old niece came to me and said: I’m here to help you. She grabbed my dad’s hand and looked at him lovingly as he ate. A blessing
Some pictures are recognisable in the photo gallery:
my nephew giving encouragement to mum wearing the hat of his grandfather who had just passed away.
Serenity and gentleness of a 90+ year old grandfather who feels loved and continues to love. My dad who is now in heaven.
The photo of a Sister of Charity who always inspired me with her tenderness: Sister Elva.
Text by Sr Myriam, Spain
ALBANIA
When I arrived in Albania in 2000, the family was very important: parents, grandparents, children, wife and children all lived together. Little by little, the children began to emigrate to the four corners of the earth. The spirit of family has broken down and even if some grandparents are lucky enough to live with their children, the vast majority of them live alone, either because they are widows or because they are caretakers of the home that their children abroad have built at home. Only a few can afford a carer for their elderly, others are moved to the cities, to be closer to the hospital. Thus there is more loneliness and few engaging activities for the elderly
At present, for example, on the pretext of having his blood pressure taken, a grandfather comes every evening to have his blood pressure taken and to eat with us. Another case is that of a 65-year-old lady who had a head operation five or six years ago and was left alone when her mother died. Unfortunately, she does not wash or clean. People in the building complained. So, for years, I have been going once a week to clean her flat, having found no one else, perhaps because they know her past.
Perhaps you will recognise me in the photo, next to a 102-year-old old lady!
Sr. Marlysse, Albania
INDONESIA
In Indonesia many grandparents live at home with their families who take care of them. Grandparents are important in the family What we have reflected on over the years is that grandparents are God’s gift more than anything else. In my culture, the Dayak Iban tribe, if you do not take care of your grandparents, you commit an unforgivable sin. Usually, we let the elders work as much as they can and as they want, so that they still feel useful. We only help them for what is necessary.
When we visit a house of the Islamic faith, where elderly people are present, it is better not to wear monastic clothes so as not to feel uncomfortable, and so you see me in the photos
Sister Iki, Indonesia
