On the fourth Sunday of July, the Catholic Church celebrates the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, which Pope Francis called for in 2021.
On July 23, not only grandparents, but also families with children made a pilgrimage to St. Anne's Chapel on the banks of the Zagyva River, starting from the St. Michael's Church in the Lőrinci settlement of the Diocese of Vác, where Archbishop Csaba Ternyák of Eger presented a celebratory mass.
In connection with the commemoration of St. Anne and St. Joachim, the grandparents of Jesus, Pope Francis called the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly to emphasize that grandparents are a link between generations, passing on life experience and faith to young people.
In his sermon, Archbishop Csaba Ternyák, talking about the relationship between the elderly and the young, pointed out how much value grandparents can pass on to their grandchildren if they spend quality time with them.
They have a great role in teaching and passing on the faith; they build a bridge between past and future
- said the head pastor, who urged the elderly to
learn the art of aging, consciously strive for happiness instead of complaining.
At the same time, this holiday also draws attention to the role of women, added the Archbishop of Eger. – St. Anne gives strength, encouragement and consolation to women, mothers and grandmothers in carrying everyday burdens.
It is not easy to be a woman today - Archbishop Csaba Ternyák stated in his homily. - Today's society unfortunately conveys the false expectation towards women that above all they must be beautiful, attractive, slim and young. This ideal is suggested by advertisements, which often degrade women by selling their bodies in some form.
Women's emancipation often leads to women being forced into male roles, wanting to be fulfilled only in their work, and underestimating the wonderful vocation of motherhood intended for them by the Creator.
But thank God there are many happy mothers and grandmothers who keep marital fidelity; they raise children and grandchildren and thus live a full life", emphasized the head pastor.
"The special role of women is aimed at passing on faith and traditions. They are the ones who hold the family together, who know the value of a life given for others.
Jesus Christ set an example of this self-sacrificing life that seeks the happiness of others. Let's follow him to find the true source of happiness," said Archbishop Csaba Ternyák, asking for the intercession of the Virgin Mary, Saint Anne, Saint Joachim and other saints.
At the holy mass, the grandparents, mothers and grandmothers present received a blessing.
The festive liturgy ended with a procession and the singing of hymns.
Source: Egri Archdiocese / Priest Ildikó
Photo: Róbert Vozáry/Szent István Television
