St. Thomas Aquinas Chaplaincy, Legon SSVP launches World Day for Grandparents, Elderly with emphasis on combating loneliness

The St. Thomas Aquinas Chaplaincy chapter of the  Society of St. Vincent de Paul has launched its version of the World Day for Grandparents, Elderly celebration for the year 2024 with a call on individuals, parishes and societies to play active roles in combating loneliness among the aged.

Delivering a launching address on July 14th at the Chaplaincy on the University of Ghana campus, the head of the committee in charge of the celebration, Bro. Lawrence Baalu said the move is part of a global initiative led by His Holiness Pope Francis which aims to honor and support the elderly in communities worldwide.

Under the theme derived from Psalm 71, “Do not cast me off in my old age,” the day emphasizes the crucial role grandparents and the elderly play in society despite often being marginalised.

Reflecting on the words of Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell, Bro. Baalu underscored the significance of this year’s theme, highlighting the prevalence of loneliness among seniors and condemning the “throwaway culture” that sidelines the elderly.

He stressed that this year’s theme is a reminder of the stack reality of widespread loneliness which afflicts many elderly people in our communities calling on families and parishes to be at the forefront in promoting a culture of encounter, to create spaces for sharing, listening to, offer support and affection.

The event scheduled for July 28 will coincide with Cultural Sunday for Pax Romana students with Holy Mass to led by Auxiliary Bishop of Accra, Bishop Anthony Narh Asare.

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It will be followed by a cultural durbar organized by Pax Romana. The event  will also feature a gesture of kindness from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and MENSCOOK GH, who will provide hot meals and beverages to elderly parishioners above the age of 65.

In a note announcing the theme for this year’s celebration, the Vatican said the choice was “meant to call attention to the fact that, sadly, loneliness is the bitter lot in life of many elderly persons who are left unattended to.

Pope Francis celebrated the first World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in 2021 and decreed that it be observed each year on the Sunday closest to the feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne, Jesus’ grandparents.