Vittorio ScelzoElderly people ask not to be left alone"."Bring children close to the elderly", Pope asksGrandparents and seniors celebrated in Rome and around the worldFor the fourth consecutive year, the Apostolic Penitentiary, by mandate of the Pope, grants a Plenary Indulgence on the occasion of the feast of St. Peter's Day. World Day of Grandparents and the Elderlywhich this year will be held on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
This year's theme, "In old age do not forsake me," taken from Psalm 71, underscores the importance of honoring and caring for the elderly in society.
The spiritual gift of the indulgence will also be granted on this occasion to various categories of the faithful. First of all, to grandparents, the elderly and all the faithful who will participate in the liturgical celebrations organized throughout the world on this occasion.
The same will be true for those who dedicate their time to visiting the elderly in need or in difficulty, and for all the sick elderly and their caregivers, who are unable to physically attend the celebrations.
The conditions for obtaining the Indulgence are the usual ones: sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer according to the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff.
By signing the DecreeCardinal Angelo De Donatis, the Major Penitentiary, underlined the pastoral importance of the initiative, inviting priests to make themselves available to hear confessions on this occasion.
This award is part of the broader context of the Catholic Church's efforts to promote the dignity and value of the elderly in the Christian community and in society in general.
The initiative also reflects the special attention that Pope Francis has always devoted to the elderly during his pontificate, recognizing their fundamental role as custodians of memory and transmitters of the faith to new generations. It is no coincidence that, in 2022, the Pontiff himself has dedicated numerous Wednesday catecheses to the "meaning and value of old age," a "new people" and "among the most urgent questions that the human family is called to face in these times."
The message
In the Message written on the occasion of this fourth Day, Pope Francis specifically addresses the problem of the loneliness and marginalization of the elderly in contemporary society, launching an appeal for a cultural change. Above all, it is necessary to overcome the growing individualism and those policies and social choices that do not recognize the dignity of each person "beyond all circumstances".
The change of perspective proposed by the Holy Father does not see the elderly as a burden, but as a precious resource for the family, society and the whole Church. It is not by chance that the Message ends with an appeal for tenderness and closeness towards grandparents and the elderly, inviting them to say "I will not abandon you" and to embark on a journey of intergenerational solidarity.
Prayer
In the prayer written for the occasion, the concerns and hopes of the elderly are expressed and, together with respect for human dignity and the value of each person, there is trust in the renewal of hearts through the Word of God and the invocation of the Holy Spirit.
The fight against loneliness and the invocation of peace also emerge as a crucial theme, looking to the future with renewed hope.
