“A Gift of Wisdom: At Christmas, let’s listen to grandparents and the elderly.”
With this title and invitation, the Vatican’s Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life has launched a new initiative to treasure the elderly.
In a Nov. 27 press release, the dicastery recalls Pope Francis’ word during the 32nd World Youth Day: “Dear young people, you need the wisdom and the vision of the elderly. […] They will speak to you of things that can thrill your minds and fill your hearts.”
As we approach Christmas, the statement reminded that due to the pandemic, there are more and more elderly people who live alone.
“We can create bonds with each of them – this is a treasure waiting to be discovered!”
Following the success of their campaign: “The elderly are your grandparents”, in which they collected virtual hugs sent by many young people to both their own grandparents and to “adopted grandparents,” the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life “now invites boys and girls from all over the world to send a message to the elderly and to receive in return the gift of their wisdom, #aGiftOfWisdom.”
Ahead of Christmas and during a pandemic, they propose that young people post on social media a memory, a piece of advice, or a “gift of wisdom” they have received from one of the elderly people with whom they have formed a bond in recent months.
While lamenting that in many cases, because of the health regulations in force, visiting can only take place remotely, via telephone, videocalls, and messaging, they note it is possible to participate in this campaign by posting the wise words of grandparents and the elderly on social media using the hashtag #aGiftOfWisdom.
Some of the best posts will be shared on the social media accounts of the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life @laityfamilylife.
