Vatican spokesman reflects on the wisdom and prayers of the elderly

November 21, 2012

The director of the Holy See Press Office devoted his most recent weekly editorial to Pope Benedict’s recent visit to a home for the elderly.

The Pope, said Father Federico Lombardi, “explains one of the great challenges and opportunities that old age presents people who are fortunate enough to reach it, is that of learning serene and patient acceptance of its limits: by always knowing that one is loved by God. The Holy Father also believes that old age offers the opportunity to share with others of the wisdom of life.”

“It is not, therefore, a question of seeking artificially to fill the time of old age with things to do.,” Father Lombardi added. “Rather, the great thing is to communicate a kind of wisdom of the heart that is capable of distinguishing what is essential from what is secondary, what is enduring from what is passing.”

Father Lombardi concluded:

The Pope asks his fellow seniors to pray for the poor, for peace, for an end to violence, for the Church, for him – and this a powerful prayer because the elderly person who believes and hopes, knows he is closer to the Lord and to the Saints, more familiar with them; the line of passage becomes more and more transparent. We have a great need of our seniors, and we know they are a huge asset. We have a duty to care for them lovingly, so that they we can all say with truth, together with the Pope: “It’s wonderful being old!”

 

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Further information:

• Lombardi editorial: praise for old age (Vatican Radio)
• Old age is beautiful, Pope tells elderly (CWN, 11/12)