Nairobi, 15 July, 2021 / 9:30 pm (ACI Africa).
Members of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) have expressed the need for younger members of society to build relationships with their grandparents and other elderly people who they describe as an “indispensable” gift to humanity.
In their message ahead of the first ever celebration of the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, which by Pope Francis instituted earlier this year, Catholic Bishops in Kenya acknowledge the role of grandparents and elderly people in educating younger church members in faith.
The Bishops say, in reference to Pope Francis’ message, “The Holy Father calls on the Church to care for the elderly, going to them with ‘a smile on your face and the Gospel in your hands.’ We are urged to create communities that strengthen intergenerational relationships between the older persons, the children, and youth in our communities.”
At the end of January this year, Pope Francis announced the establishment of the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly to be marked every fourth Sunday of July. This year, the newly instituted event is set to take place on July 25.
In a statement shared with ACI Africa Thursday, July 15, KCCB members make reference to the day’s theme, “I am with you always” and underscore the need for closeness with the elderly people who the Holy Father says are often forgotten.
