Pope Francis' Theme for the 4th Grandparents' and Elderly Day is Just Released by the Vatican - ‘Loneliness’

j
The Vatican has just released Pope Francis' theme for his message for the 2024 World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly: “Do not cast me off in my old age”. ‘Loneliness’ the key of Pope’s theme for 4th Grandparents Day
On Sunday, July 28, Catholics around the world are called to reflect on the great heritage and wisdom passed on by their grandparents and the elderly.
In preparation for the 4th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life released the theme for the 2024 event.
The Pope chose the theme: “Do not cast me off in my old age” (cf. Psalm 71:9).

The press release from the Dicastery, explained that it is meant “to call attention to the fact that, sadly, loneliness is the bitter lot in life of many elderly persons, so often the victims of the throw-away culture.”

In his message, Pope Francis focuses on Psalm 71 which depicts the plea of an elderly person who reflects on the story of their friendship with God.

“By cherishing the charisms of grandparents and the elderly, and the contribution they make to the life of the Church, the World Day seeks to support the efforts of every ecclesial community to forge bonds between the generations and to combat loneliness, in the awareness that – as Scripture states – “It is not good for man to be alone” (Gen 2:18),” said the press release.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, was grateful to the Pope for bringing the spotlight on the loneliness felt by many elderly people.

“Faced with this reality,” he said, “families and the ecclesial community are called to be at the forefront in promoting a culture of encounter, to create spaces for sharing, listening, to offer support and affection: thus, the love of Gospel becomes concrete.”

Loneliness, said the Cardinal Prefect, is an unavoidable condition of human life, but is also an invitation look to God the Father for comfort.

As Christians, he said, the World Day dedicated to grandparents and the elderly calls us do away with our throwaway culture and exhibit “tenderness and affectionate attention” to the most fragile members of our communities.

The 2024 World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly takes place in the Year of Prayer, which Pope Francis has called to help Catholics prepare for the 2025 Jubilee.

The Pope established the World Day in 2021 to take place on the fourth Sunday of July, near the liturgical feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus.

Source: Vatican News with File Screenshot from Vatican Media