KENYA: “Initiate World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly Events Suitable to Your Context,” Says Bishops Conference to Dioceses

Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA

Prior to World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly which Pope Francis instituted on January 31, to be marked annually on the fourth Sunday of July close to the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus, Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has asked dioceses and archdioceses to be creative and initiate celebration activities “best suited to their pastoral context”.

The first World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will be celebrated this year Sunday, July 25, and KCCB Chairman Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde says, “This could be a great opportunity for coming together of grandparents, grandchildren, the young and the old.”

He noted that the intent of the world day “is to convey to every elderly person that God and the Church are close to them and also to emphasize inter-generational closeness between young and old.”

Referencing Pope Francis’ message in the statement shared with AMECEA online Thursday, July 15, the Most Rev. Kivuva who is the archbishop of Mombasa Archdiocese underscored that Old age is a blessing and ageing brings wisdom, strategic thinking and social responsibility.”

“Old age is a precious treasure that takes shape in the journey of every man and woman’s life, whatever their origins, background, economic or social conditions,” reads part of the message and he adds, “Life is a gift, and when it is long it is a privilege, for oneself and for others. Grandparents are the indispensable link in educating children and young people in the faith.”

Highlighting the challenges being experienced by grandparents and the elderly during the Covid-19 pandemic the Prelate said, “The Covid-19 pandemic has predisposed the elderly to more vulnerabilities. They have unique challenges that are socio-economic, emotional and physical and they face the risk of isolation and loneliness.”

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,” Archbishop Kivuva said adding that, “We are urged to create communities that strengthen intergenerational relationships between the older persons, the children, and youth in our communities.”

He emphasized that the world day which will be celebrated under the theme “I am with you always” comes at the midpoint of Pope Francis’ Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia (The joy of love) on love in the family.

In the statement shared with the KCCB General Secretary Very Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Lugonzo and the National Executive Secretary KCCB Commission for Pastoral and Lay Apostolate Fr. Josiah Muthee Mugera, the Conference in collaboration with the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life will make available a series of pastoral tools that will be sent to Dioceses and Archdioceses and the also Holy Father’s message in preparation for the world day.