Yesterday was the feast day of SS. Anne and Joachim, the parents of our Blessed Lady and the grandparents of our Lord. Have you ever wondered what our Lord’s relationship was with His grandparents? Did our Lord enjoy some of His grandmother’s baked goods or go out for a walk with his grandfather in the hilly countryside? They must have enjoyed quality time with their beloved Grandson, caring for Him, holding Him as He sat on their knees, even soothing His hurts as only a grandparent’s love can. Grandparents are a true blessing to any family. Since we are living longer, grandparents are more a part of family life. In fact, grandparents are the fastest growing demographic in the Church!
 
Today is World Day of Prayer for Grandparents and the Elderly. Pope Francis decreed in 2021 that this day be observed each year on the Sunday closest to the feast of SS. Joachim and Anne. The Vatican loves to have themes for these types of days.   This year’s theme is “Blessed are those who have not lost hope” (Sir 14:2). These words from the Book of Sirach, express the blessedness of the elderly and the hope placed in the Lord.
 
Pope Francis described how, “Saints Joachim and Anne were part of a long chain of people who had transmitted their faith and love for God, expressed in the warmth and love of family life, down to Mary, who received the Son of God in her womb and who gave him to the world, to us. How precious is the family as the privileged place for transmitting the faith! ... How important grandparents are for family life, for passing on the human and religious heritage, which is so essential for each and every society! How important it is to have intergenerational exchanges and dialogue, especially within the context of the family…this relationship and this dialogue between generations is a treasure to be preserved and strengthened!” (World Youth Day, July 26, 2013).
 
Grandparents and the elderly are teachers of a way of life; they bring love, tenderness, understanding, and wisdom to the family. Loving grandparents are a blessing to have and should always be treated with reverential respect.
 
On this day of prayer, we should be filled with joy and gratitude for the great gift children have in their grandparents. I hope they cherish and value the time they spend with their grandparents. I pray through the intercession of Saints Anne and Joachim that your family will continue to be filled with this special love that spans the generations.
 


New Microphone System
 
We are in the process of upgrading our microphone and speaker system in the Church. The old system has given up. It served us well for a good number of years. We are installing the latest system with the newest technology; the clarity of voice, the balance in the Church with new features like Bluetooth, and music that can be played through the system. Once again, thank you for your generosity each week in the Sunday collection so that we can pay for these emergency situations. Once the job is completed, I’ll let you know.