Collection for retired priests to coincide with World Day for Grandparents, Elderly
July 11, 2024 at 10:51 a.m.
Recognizing the inherent value of older community members, the fourth annual World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will be celebrated July 28 by Catholics worldwide.
Observed each year on the Sunday closest to the Feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne – Jesus’ grandparents – the theme for 2024 is “Do not cast me off in my old age” (Psalm 71:9). Pope Francis chose this theme to draw attention to the loneliness many elderly people experience, while also focusing on prayer, as the passage is from an elderly person’s prayer in the Psalms.
As part of the diocesan observance of World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, parishioners of the Diocese of Trenton are encouraged to support the third annual collection for the Retired, Elderly and Infirm Priests Fund, which will be taken up in parishes during Masses July 27-28. The collection was begun in 2022 by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.
“As Bishop, I invite all the clergy and faithful of the Diocese, once again, to show the generosity for which I have come to know you so well by contributing [to the collection],” the Bishop wrote in his message for the occasion. “They, too, deserve our love and gratitude in their twilight years!”
In 2023, all but five parishes of the Diocese participated, raising more than $315,000 – a 19% increase from the prior year. All funds were used to support operations at the two diocesan priest retirement facilities – Villa Vianney in Lawrenceville and Villa St. Denis in Manasquan.
Kevin Cimei, chief fiscal officer for the Diocese, noted that “This is an incredible show of support for our retired priests, enabling them a dignified and affordable retirement. The generosity of the parishioners is truly appreciated.”
Many retired priests in the Diocese of Trenton still regularly serve their local parishes by celebrating Masses and the Sacraments, greatly reducing the burden on parish pastors. Grandparents play integral roles in the lives of their children and grandchildren, including childcare and prayerful guidance.
This value of the elderly was further emphasized by Pope Francis in his message for this year’s celebration. Calling them “the firm foundation” on which “new” stones can rest, in order to join in erecting a spiritual edifice (cf. 1 Peter 2:5).”
“God never abandons his children,” the Pope wrote, even as they grow weak and “can risk appearing useless.” But today, a “conspiracy surrounding the life of the elderly” often results in their abandonment by those close to them.
“The loneliness and abandonment of the elderly is not by chance or inevitable, but the fruit of decisions ... that fail to acknowledge the infinite dignity of each person,” he wrote.
Pope Francis also noted that in poorer countries elderly people are often left alone when their children are forced to emigrate. Meanwhile, young men are called into conflict while women and children flee for safety, leaving elderly people alone in areas “where abandonment and death seem to reign supreme.”
Referencing the biblical book of Ruth, the Pope notes the example set as Ruth cares for the elderly Naomi as an inspiration for how faithful should care for older family members.
“Ruth, who chose to remain close to Naomi, was then blessed with a happy marriage, a family, a new home. This is always the case: 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!”
The full text of Pope Francis’ message can be read HERE.
Vatican offers indulgence for World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
Thursday, November 21, 2024
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Events
Recognizing the inherent value of older community members, the fourth annual World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will be celebrated July 28 by Catholics worldwide.
Observed each year on the Sunday closest to the Feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne – Jesus’ grandparents – the theme for 2024 is “Do not cast me off in my old age” (Psalm 71:9). Pope Francis chose this theme to draw attention to the loneliness many elderly people experience, while also focusing on prayer, as the passage is from an elderly person’s prayer in the Psalms.
As part of the diocesan observance of World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, parishioners of the Diocese of Trenton are encouraged to support the third annual collection for the Retired, Elderly and Infirm Priests Fund, which will be taken up in parishes during Masses July 27-28. The collection was begun in 2022 by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.
“As Bishop, I invite all the clergy and faithful of the Diocese, once again, to show the generosity for which I have come to know you so well by contributing [to the collection],” the Bishop wrote in his message for the occasion. “They, too, deserve our love and gratitude in their twilight years!”
In 2023, all but five parishes of the Diocese participated, raising more than $315,000 – a 19% increase from the prior year. All funds were used to support operations at the two diocesan priest retirement facilities – Villa Vianney in Lawrenceville and Villa St. Denis in Manasquan.
Kevin Cimei, chief fiscal officer for the Diocese, noted that “This is an incredible show of support for our retired priests, enabling them a dignified and affordable retirement. The generosity of the parishioners is truly appreciated.”
Many retired priests in the Diocese of Trenton still regularly serve their local parishes by celebrating Masses and the Sacraments, greatly reducing the burden on parish pastors. Grandparents play integral roles in the lives of their children and grandchildren, including childcare and prayerful guidance.
This value of the elderly was further emphasized by Pope Francis in his message for this year’s celebration. Calling them “the firm foundation” on which “new” stones can rest, in order to join in erecting a spiritual edifice (cf. 1 Peter 2:5).”
“God never abandons his children,” the Pope wrote, even as they grow weak and “can risk appearing useless.” But today, a “conspiracy surrounding the life of the elderly” often results in their abandonment by those close to them.
“The loneliness and abandonment of the elderly is not by chance or inevitable, but the fruit of decisions ... that fail to acknowledge the infinite dignity of each person,” he wrote.
Pope Francis also noted that in poorer countries elderly people are often left alone when their children are forced to emigrate. Meanwhile, young men are called into conflict while women and children flee for safety, leaving elderly people alone in areas “where abandonment and death seem to reign supreme.”
Referencing the biblical book of Ruth, the Pope notes the example set as Ruth cares for the elderly Naomi as an inspiration for how faithful should care for older family members.
“Ruth, who chose to remain close to Naomi, was then blessed with a happy marriage, a family, a new home. This is always the case: 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!”
The full text of Pope Francis’ message can be read HERE.