Youth building bridges with the elderly in Limerick

 
On the 21st and 22nd of February around 20 young people, their parents and other adults gathered in Limerick. Their aim was to bring the love they try to live amongst themselves to elderly residents of the Millford Care Centre.

limerick invitation-pAdmit One was the motto of the initiative which drew together young people and their families from Limerick, Dublin and Kildare. Encouraged by Chiara Lubich’s words that ‘We have always something to give’, the young people threw themselves into preparing a drama based on the idea of seeing each other with new eyes. They also rehearsed a modern jazz dance and some lovely songs.

The next day the young people performed these acts with great joy, for the residents of the Millford Care Centre.  Everyone was very happy. At the end of the show the young people chatted with the  elderly residents, creating an even stronger sense of family among all. “There was a real sense of community,” said Anna.

The feedback talking to the residents afterword’s was one of great joy and appreciation.

“It’s so easy to take for granted the difference that these events can make to peoples lives particularly for  those who have become dependent on others in their old age,” said Donal Hession. “It was a great experience for the children too – a real expression of mutual love in the present moment.”

New relationships were built and will surely be continued.