Lucia Silecchia on Senior Citizens and Lonliness

"Four years ago, Pope Francis inaugurated the 'World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.' He proposed that this day would be observed each year on the Sunday closest to the July 26 celebration of Christ's grandparents, Sts. Joachim and Anne.

"In past years, two of the themes chosen celebrated the comforting closeness of God to older persons. . . .

"This year, though, I was struck with the deep, aching poignancy of the theme Pope Francis selected: 'Do not cast me off in my old age.' This theme seems neither comforting nor celebratory but tragically real for all too many."

In a recent commentary, writer/Professor Lucia A. Silecchia reflected on the epidemic of lonliness among senior citizens

To access Professor Silecchia's complete post, please visit:

The Pilot: Echoes: Lucia A. Silecchia: Loneliness in Ordinary Time (24 JUL 24)

Pope Francis' Message for World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly 2024

Pope Francis: IV World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, 2024: – “Do not cast me off in my old age” (cf. Psalm 71:9)

Comments from Poe Francis re: World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly:

• "Today we celebrate World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. Our future depends a great deal on how grandparents and grandchildren learn to live together. Let us not forget the elderly!"
• "By remaining close to the elderly and acknowledging their unique role in the family, in society, and in the Church, we will ourselves receive many gifts, many graces, many blessings!"
•  "We need a new bond between the young and the elderly. May those with more life experience water the shoots of hope of those who are still growing. May we come to know the beauty of life and build a fraternal society. "

Note:  The U.S. bishops have approved the transfer of the celebration of World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in the U.S. to the first weekend after Labor Day in September to coincide with National Grandparents (and the Elderly) Day in the United States as many local communities, schools, and parishes have celebrated for some time.