Today, the Church celebrates the life, faith, and hope of those who have walked the path before us: grandparents and the elderly. On this same date, we also commemorate Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus—examples of tenderness, transmitters of the faith, and strong roots for new generations.
This year’s theme, taken from the Book of Sirach, reminds us: “Blessed is the one who does not lose hope” (Sir 14:2). It is an invitation to discover in the elderly a living sign of hope, even in the midst of fragility.
From our hospitaller vocation, we recognize the value of accompanying those who have dedicated their lives to care, service, and love. In them, we see the humanity we strive to cultivate: one that embraces, cares, and shares wisdom through every gesture.
Pope Leo XIV shares with us:
“The life of the Church and of the world can only be understood through the succession of generations. Embracing an elderly person helps us realize that history does not end in the present or get consumed by fleeting encounters and fragmented relationships, but instead moves forward into the future. In the Book of Genesis, we find the touching episode of Jacob, already old, blessing his grandchildren—the sons of Joseph. His words encourage them to look to the future with hope, just as in the days of God’s promises (cf. Gen 48:8-20). If it’s true that the fragility of the elderly needs the strength of the young, it’s also true that the inexperience of the young needs the testimony of the elderly to wisely shape the future. How often have our grandparents been examples of faith and devotion, of civic virtues and social commitment, of memory and perseverance in times of trial! This beautiful legacy, passed on with hope and love, will always be a source of gratitude and consistency for us.”
May this day be an opportunity to give thanks, to accompany, and to continue building bridges between generations.