Bishop Denis Nulty of Kildare & Leighlin celebrated Mass for World Day for Grandparents & the Elderly 2023 during the National Grandparents Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine on Sunday 23 July last. The theme for World Day for Grandparents & the Elderly 2023 is “His Mercy is From Age to Age” (Lk.1:50).
During his homily, Bishop Nulty said, “The theme this year comes from Saint Luke: “His mercy is from age to age”. This verse reminds us God’s mercy is manifested in history through the testimonies of those who have experienced it and passed it on to their children and grandchildren. Grandparents and the elderly through their fullsome life teach us all about God’s mercy. They have seen it all and have not been found wanting.
“I know in the diocese how much I learn from our older priests and religious, they still have so much to contribute to the life of our Church by their wisdom and rich experience. The older we become our skin can become more tough, but our hearts are much more tender. Children can sometimes feel their parents don’t understand them, don’t get it, but grandparents and older relatives always can be depended upon to have that listening ear.”
Bishop Nulty continued, “It is estimated in Europe that one third of the elderly live alone, a percentage that continues to rise. The big disease affecting our elderly, our grandparents cannot be cured by a tablet or a prescription, in fact its not a medical one but actually loneliness and the fear of being left alone. It’s no wonder Pope Francis wants our young people to visit their grandparents and those around them who have live long fulfilled lives and still have a little living to do.”
In conclusion, Bishop Nulty said, “I realise this is a new day in the cycle of the universal Church. You can be certain it is one now firmly embedded in our liturgical calendars. I want to put before you a challenge between now and next year. Go home and tell at least five people about this important celebration, maybe even invite them to join you in Knock next year!”
To read this homily in full, click here.
ENDS
