Focolare Movement

The Elderly at the Roots of all Peoples

Sep 30, 2018

“You who have gone through so many seasons are the living testimony of constancy in adversity, but also of the gift of prophecy that reminds the young generations that the care and protection of the ones who preceded them are gratifying and appreciated by God, and that they cry out to God when they are […]

“You who have gone through so many seasons are the living testimony of constancy in adversity, but also of the gift of prophecy that reminds the young generations that the care and protection of the ones who preceded them are gratifying and appreciated by God, and that they cry out to God when they are disregarded.” When Pope Francis spoke these words last September 24th, he was speaking to the elderly audience in front of him in the Cathedral of Saint James in Riga (Republic of Latvia). But he was also speaking to the elderly of the whole world, in view of the international day dedicated to them on October 1st. “You that have spent yourselves, body and soul, that have given your life in the pursuit of freedom for your country, are now often left feeling that you have been forgotten. Although it sounds paradoxical in today’s world, in the name of freedom, free people subject the elderly to solitude, ostracism, lack of resources, esclusion and even misery. […] You that have gone through many seasons, never forget that you are the roots of a people.

___

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Newsletter

Thought of the day

Related post

Gen Verde: an inner journey, an experience in music

Gen Verde: an inner journey, an experience in music

The international group has launched a new musical project entitled “Tutto parla di te – Preghiera in musica” (“Everything speaks about you – Prayer in music”), available online on the major digital platforms.

Recognizing beauty: Giulio Ciarrocchi and his legacy

Recognizing beauty: Giulio Ciarrocchi and his legacy

On 26th June, 2025, Giulio Ciarrocchi returned to the house of Father. Giulio was a married focolarino who together with his wife, Pina, worked at the Secretariat of New Families from 1079-2014. To him the Focolare Movement expresses its deep gratitude for his legacy and the example of an immeasurable and fearless faith.