Pope Francis has announced a new “world day of grandparents and the elderly” to recognised often-forgotten older generations.
Speaking after the Angelus yesterday, he praised the “precious voice” and “wisdom” of the elderly, and said it was important that children are allowed to meet and learn from their grandparents.
He timed his announcement two days before tomorrow’s feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, when Simeon and Anna, both elderly, recognised Jesus as the Messiah.
“The Holy Spirit still arouses thoughts and words of wisdom in the elderly today: their voice is precious because it sings the praises of God and guards the roots of peoples,” Pope Francis said. “They remind us that old age is a gift and that grandparents are the link between generations, to transmit to young people an experience of life and faith.
“Grandparents are often forgotten and we forget this wealth of preserving the roots and transmitting.”
Pope Francis said: “It is important that grandparents meet their grandchildren and that grandchildren meet with grand-parents, because – as the prophet Joel says – grandparents will dream in front of grandchildren, they will have illusions [great desires], and young people, taking strength from their grand-parents, will go on, prophesy.”