Cathedral/Sacred Heart community celebrate grandparents

On Sunday, July 28, a significant event took place in the Cathedral/Sacred Heart Parish. Pope Francis had previously declared that the fourth Sunday of July be dedicated to ‘World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly.’ This was the 4th anniversary of this declaration.

This momentous occasion followed the celebration of the Feast of Sts Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus and the parents of Jesus’ mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary on Friday, July 26.

Tradition holds that Sts Joachim and Anne prayed to have a child. They were blessed with a beautiful baby girl. In those days, a childless woman was ridiculed. Following the birth of a daughter, the mother held a minor status, giving birth to a son, was recognised in society.

The parish community celebrated the elderly by presenting approximately 200 parishioners with Certificates of Appreciation. They were blessed and applauded by the congregation.

This celebration seemed most appropriate, as the elderly are often forgotten in society. The Pope invited all Catholics to reflect deeply on the heritage which has been passed on by grandparents and the elderly.

The theme chosen by the Pope for this year’s ‘World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly,’ was taken from Psalm 71:9, “Do not cast me off in my old age.”

– Geneva Smith, Youth Minister, Cathedral Parish