Whether they are still on earth or have already gone on to eternity, we have some ideas for how you can grow closer to them today.
July 26 is the feast of Sts. Joachim and Ann, the parents of the Virgin Mary, and thus Jesus’ grandparents.
In many parts of the world, Grandparents’ Day is celebrated today. Aleteia invites you to take a moment to celebrate your own grandparents today as well — if they are still with us on earth, make sure to reach out today.
“[T]alk to your grandparents. Because if you want to be hope for the future, you have to receive the torch from your grandfather and your grandmother. … If your grandparents are already in heaven, will you talk with the elderly? Are you going to ask them questions? Ask them. They are the wisdom of a people.” Pope Francis, July 31, 2016
Consider these articles as extra motivation:
Kids need to spend time with their grandparents … for humanity’s sake
5 things my young kids are learning from their elderly grandma
Babysitting can decrease grandparents’ risk of dementia
The pope is always speaking about the importance of the elderly. Just consider some of the things he says they can offer us (even if they can no longer speak or if they are affected by dementia):
- The elderly, grandparents have the ability to understand the most difficult of situations
- Their prayer is strong; it is powerful
- The elderly pass on history, doctrine, faith and they leave them to us as an inheritance. They are like a fine vintage wine; that is, they have within themselves the power to give us this noble inheritance