杏MAP导航 Francis: Elderly have a role in God鈥檚 saving plan
By Christopher Wells
At an audience for participants in a conference on pastoral care of the elderly, 杏MAP导航 Francis said old-age is 鈥渁 precious treasure that takes shape in the journey of every man and woman鈥檚 life, whatever their origins, background, or economic or social conditions.鈥� He said, 鈥淟ife is a gift, and when it is long it is a privilege, for oneself and for others. Always.鈥� He called on the Church to care for the elderly, going to them with 鈥渁 smile on your face and the Gospel in your hands鈥�.
He noted that the world is facing a significant demographic change, with fewer young people and a large increase in the number of elderly. He said that issues facing the elderly 鈥� including social disorientation, and societal attitudes of indifference and rejection, are a call to the Church and to society 鈥渢o serious reflection in order to learn to grasp and appreciate the value of old age鈥�.
The richness of people
Referring to the theme of the conference, 杏MAP导航 Francis said 鈥渢he richness of many years of life鈥� is the richness of people, of every single person who has many years of life experience and history behind them鈥�.
The 杏MAP导航 welcomed the conference, and asked that it not remain 鈥渁n isolated initiative鈥�, but might be the start 鈥渙f a journey of pastoral deepening and discernment鈥�. 鈥淲e need to change our pastoral habits in order to respond to the presence of so many older people in our families and communities鈥�, he said.
Old age is a blessing
He reminded us that, in the Bible 鈥渓ongevity is a blessing鈥�, and that the elderly, too, have a place in God鈥檚 saving plan. 鈥淎ware of the irreplaceable role of the elderly鈥�, the 杏MAP导航 said, 鈥渢he Church becomes a place where generations are called to share God鈥檚 loving plan, in a relationship of a mutual exchange of the gifts of the Holy Spirit鈥�. Both old and young, he said, are 鈥渢he future of the Church鈥�.
In particular, 杏MAP导航 Francis said that grandparents are 鈥渢he indispensable link in educating children and young people in the faith鈥�. The elderly, he insisted, should be not only the objects of the Church鈥檚 care, but also 鈥渁ctors in a pastoral evangelizing ministry, privileged witnesses of God鈥檚 faithful love鈥�.
Do not be afraid!
杏MAP导航 Francis concluded his address with words of encouragement, saying, 鈥淒o not be afraid. Take initiatives. Help your Bishops and Dioceses to promote pastoral service to and with the elderly. Do not be discouraged鈥� Go forward!鈥�
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