Pope Francis established a World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in 2021. Fourth time celebration of this day took place on 28th of July 2024. This celebration took place on a Sunday closest to the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus.
St. Theresa’s Parish, Mazulu, joined in celebrating the 4th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. on the 28th of July, 2024. Fr. Lawrence Stanislaus Rodrigues OCD presided over the Eucharistic celebration. In his homily, Fr. Stan preached basing on “Do not cast me off in my old age” (cf. Psalm 71:9), theme chosen by Pope Francis for this occasion. He called upon those attending the Eucharist, to respect the elderly by way of providing them love and support that they may feel feel lonely and unloved in their old age.
In emphasizing the role and place of the elderly in our families and society, Fr. Rodrigues exhorted that values the elderly inculcate in our families and society should never be forgotten or neglected and substituted. As we experience economic growth, let our older generation feel respected, appreciated and cared for. In recognition of their contribution towards the Parish community, Parish Priest, Fr. Vivian Menezes OCD, honoured the elderly by garlanding and distributing them Holy Rosaries. At the end of the festivities, Parish served them “grandparents meal”, as a sign of fraternity and care.
