Honouring Our Grandparents and the Elderly with Prayer, Fellowship and Gratitude
The Church of Our Lady of Fatima marked the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly with a special Mass on 27 July, which also coincided with the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus.
Centred on this year’s theme, “I will never forget you,” the celebration was a reminder that grandparents and the elderly remain treasured members of our families, our parish and the wider Church.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Andrew Manickam reflected on how today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world can sometimes leave older people feeling forgotten or overlooked. He encouraged the faithful to make time for the elderly, especially those who seldom receive visitors.
“No one should grow old feeling invisible,” he said.
Fr. Andrew also reminded the congregation that growing older should never be seen as a time of waiting, but as a season rich in faith and wisdom.
“Old age isn’t the waiting room; it is the wisdom room. Even late in life, people can begin a new spirituality.”
The special Mass drew grandparents and elderly parishioners from OLF as well as neighbouring parishes in Kuala Lumpur and Subang Jaya. At the end of the celebration, each grandparent and elderly participant received a flower from Fr. Andrew as a simple gesture of love and appreciation.
The celebration continued with a potluck luncheon in Dewan Fatima, where parishioners shared a meal, caught up with old friends and enjoyed an afternoon filled with music, laughter and conversation. It was a joyful gathering that reflected the warmth and sense of family that continues to characterise the OLF community.
Closing his homily, Fr. Andrew invited everyone to reflect on how we value the elderly within our own communities.
“Take a moment to look at these people around us. Are we building a community where people are valued for who they are, rather than what they can produce?”
As part of its ongoing care for the elderly, the parish also reminds everyone that a free medical screening, conducted by the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM), will be held on Sunday, 9 August, from 8.00am to 3.00pm at Dewan Fatima. The programme is open to everyone, regardless of age or religious background.
