Cletus Oluwaseun AJETORO

 

St. Patrick Catholic Church, Fiditi, was filled with joy, gratitude, and deep spiritual reverence as parishioners gathered to celebrate the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly under the theme, "Even to your old age, I will sustain you" (Isaiah 46:4).

 

The celebration began with the Holy Mass, featuring uplifting traditional hymns, colourful cultural attire proudly worn by the elderly, and an inspiring homily delivered by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Benjamin Olabode Jolasun.

 

Welcoming the congregation, Fr. Jolasun congratulated all grandparents and elderly members of the parish, describing them as living repositories of wisdom and indispensable pillars of both the family and the Church. Reflecting on the significance of the day, he challenged common misconceptions about ageing, stressing that growing old is not a burden but a blessing.

 

"Being old is never a bane; it is a blessing," he declared.

 

The priest explained that the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly was instituted by Pope Francis to strengthen the bond between generations, recognize the invaluable contributions of older persons, and address the growing challenge of loneliness and neglect among the elderly. He lamented that many older people are abandoned in a society increasingly driven by materialism and individualism, reminding the faithful that elderly parents and grandparents are precious gifts whose lives reflect God's enduring promise: "Even to your old age, I will sustain you" (Isaiah 46:4).

 

Drawing inspiration from Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and grandparents of Jesus Christ, Fr. Jolasun highlighted their examples of faith, patience, and perseverance. He also reflected on Biblical figures such as Abraham, Sarah, Elizabeth, Simeon, Anna, Naomi, and Zechariah, whose advanced ages did not prevent God from accomplishing His divine purpose through them. Challenging the congregation, he asked, "Do we truly live like these inspiring examples?"

 

Relating the day's readings to everyday Christian living, the priest observed that the elderly spend a lifetime acquiring genuine wisdom. Comparing this to the Gospel parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price, he explained that just as precious treasures require diligent searching, the wisdom accumulated through years of life can only be discovered through patience, humility, and attentive listening.

 

Before concluding his homily, Fr. Jolasun urged the faithful to examine how often they remember the elderly in their prayers, how readily they offer practical care and companionship to ageing parents and grandparents, and whether they continue to pray for the souls of deceased loved ones and care for their resting places.

 

The celebration reached an emotional climax immediately after Holy Communion when the Parish Priest invited everyone in the congregation to leave their pews, approach their parents, grandparents, or any elderly person present, kneel before them, and receive their blessings. The Church was soon filled with tears of joy, warm embraces, and radiant smiles as generations came together in a touching display of love, reconciliation, and gratitude.

 

The day's celebration continued beyond the Church’s walls as Fr. Jolasun led a pastoral outreach to elderly parishioners who were unable to attend Mass. Accompanied by members of the parish youth and the St. Vincent de Paul Society, he visited several homes to ensure that every elderly member of the parish shared in the joy of the occasion.

 

The visits were marked by heartfelt conversations, moments of prayer, words of encouragement rooted in God's promise of faithful companionship in old age, the administration of the sacraments to those unable to come to church, and the presentation of gifts and other tokens of love from the parish community.

 

For both the visitors and their hosts, the outreach became much more than a pastoral exercise. It was a profound encounter of faith, compassion, and mutual appreciation.

 

"It is indeed a very emotional and wonderful way to end this year's celebration of the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly," one of the participating youths remarked.

 

Through both its liturgical celebration and compassionate outreach, St. Patrick Catholic Church, Fiditi, reaffirmed its commitment to honouring and caring for the elderly, demonstrating that the Church is at its best when every generation walks together in faith, love, and hope.