Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra, Most Rev. Anthony Narh Asare has called for renewed respect and appreciation for the elderly.
According to the prelate, it is expedient for all to honour old age not only because of its scriptural implications but also because doing so is part of the Ghanaian culture.
Speaking during a eucharistic celebration at the St. Thomas Aquinas Chaplaincy of the University of Ghana, on the occasion of World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, organized by the Legon chapter of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and the handing over and cultural Sunday celebration of the University of Ghana Pax Romana on July 28, the prelate emphasised the significance of honoring and caring for the elderly.
Bishop Asare, reflecting on the values of both faith and culture, urged the younger generation to embrace the wisdom and experience of older people in society.
“As we celebrate our culture, let us celebrate who we are. And one thing about who we are is the respect for the elderly,” Bishop Asare stated. He highlighted that respect for the elderly is not merely a cultural tradition but a fundamental aspect of one’s spiritual and moral development.
Bishop Asare pointed out the significance of such respect in various settings, including within the church. “Even in Church, you tell people, this place is for the elderly. That is where some young people will choose to sit,” he observed. This, he noted, reflects a broader societal trend where respect for age can sometimes be overlooked.
The Bishop urged young people to “appreciate old age,” emphasising that someday they too will face the challenges of aging. “And when we take care of the elderly, the Bible says honour your mother and your father and your days shall be long,” he said.
He underscored that caring for the elderly is not just a cultural expectation but also a spiritual blessing, noting, “It’s a blessing when someone turns to you and says God bless you.”
Bishop Asare further encouraged the younger generation to deeply engage with the teachings of the Bible and to let these teachings guide them in upholding the cultural value of relating with the elderly. “Because where you are now, they have been. Where they are you may not get there. And so my dear young people, let us take the word of God seriously,” he said.
The day was marked with a cultural durbar organized by Pax Romana. It also featured a gesture of kindness from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and MENSCOOK GH, who provided hot meals and beverages to elderly parishioners above the age of 65.
This year’s celebration is on the theme, “Do not cast me off in my old age,” taken from Psalm 71. In a note announcing the theme for the 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.