Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Murang’a Rt Rev James Maria Wainana has urged the faithful to care and support the elderly in the society.
While marking the second World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly at Our lady of Consolata Sagana Catholic Parish, the bishop noted that pastoral care for the elderly is a priority that can no longer be postponed by all Kenyans and key decision makers.
He noted that the elderly and the grandparents laid a foundation for us and we therefore should be committed to caring for them in their now vulnerable state of advanced years.
“When Pope Francis instituted the Word Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in January 2021, he meant to convey the church’s nearness to and care for the elderly since their voice is precious as it sings the praises of God and preserves the roots of the people” expounded Wainaina.
The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly is an annual celebration in the Catholic Church held on the fourth Sunday of July close to the liturgical memorial of Saints Joachim and Anna, the grandparents of Jesus.
The bishop also noted that the elderly in the society represent the roots and the memory of a people and should be treated with dignity so that their experience and wisdom will help young people to look towards the future with hope and responsibility.
“Their experience of life and faith will contribute immensely to building better societies if we treat and take care of them, in old age they will still bear fruit” said the Bishop.
The Catholic Church invites the members of the society to reconsider the value the elderly and grandparents who are often excluded in crucial decision making have on families, civil and ecclesial communities.
By Florence Kinyua
