The United Nations
designated 1 October as the International
Day of Older Persons. The Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur celebrated this
significant day last Sunday, 30 September 2018 at St Joseph Church, Sentul
during the 6.00 pm Mass. It was the first for the Archdiocese as well as our
Church, as host.
About 700 elderly
parishioners over the age of 60 from Kuantan, Seremban and other parts of the
Klang Valley attended the Mass, celebrated by Archbishop Julian Leow and concelebrated
by Cardinal Soter Fernandez as well as Archbishop Emeritus Murphy Pakiam.
The
theme for this year’s International Day of Older Persons is “Celebrating
Older Human Rights Champions”.
The elderly population is growing globally, and people are aware of the
serious problems that affect their health and the need for the protection of
their rights. They are human too and they need the same dignity and respect as
people of all other age categories. Archbishop
Julian Leow highlighted that the elderly are experienced and wise, and all
other age groups have many things to learn from them. Their ages represent the
“wealth of life experiences” and that “wisdom really does comes with age.”
Their knowledge and experience can contribute to society.
Many
people are worried as they grow older. They worry that their children will not
care for them and that they may end up alone and unwanted. Most old people wish
to stay in their own homes till the very end, and receive care and support from
their families. As they age, they may somehow feel that they are losing value
as a significant member of society. Therefore, it is the responsibility of
every individual in the family to care for their aging parents and
grandparents, and help them feel wanted and included.
In today’s culture,
nursing and old folk homes are becoming more acceptable. Due to our work
commitments and other family issues, we may sometimes take the option of
placing our elderly in proper nursing facilities or care homes. Generally, as
Christians, we always try our level best to give due respect towards the
elderly. Our Bible tells us to respect elders and treat them as how we would
like to be treated ourselves (Lev 19: 32-34) and our obligation is to honour
our parents, including the elders, (4th Commandment – Ex 20:21).
How can we minister
to the elderly? The number of elderly
people in our parishes are growing. The Church
provides a wonderful way to engage with them, even when they find it difficult
to come for Mass or other services. We are glad that our Extra-Ordinary
Ministers make the effort to go for homebound visits, by bringing Holy
Communion. Some of our priests visit the homebound at least twice a year,
especially during the Season of Lent and Advent.
During this
month of Rosary, we specifically pray for the elderly – asking for their good
health and long dignified lives. As we offer a decade
or two, let us also pray to be a listening friend to them. They have many
stories to share with us. Once in a while offer hope, support and encouragement.
Many elderly people may be unable to attend Church due to transportation
issues, so if you know of any such person, lend them a helping hand and bring
them to Church with you. When that is not possible, perhaps try singing and
praying together at home, and read the Bible to them, from time to time.
“Do not cast me away
when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone,” (Ps 71:9).
No comments:
Post a Comment