If the old trees are the flowers and fruits of the young trees – Pope Francis
Christopher Francis: The Vatican
On the morning of Sunday, July 24, Pope Francis began his 37th Apostolic Mission abroad from Rome to Canada. He first greeted approximately eighty international journalists from more than ten countries who were traveling with him on the trip and highlighted the importance of Sunday. The Pope first recalled that on Sunday, the second World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly was celebrated, focusing on the verse of Psalm 92, “They are fruitful even in their old age.”
Grandparents are like roots. They are the treasuries of the society, carrying everything forward. They are the ones who pass on history, traditions, customs, and other values to the next generations. Young people should keep in touch with them. The Pope likened this practice to a tree, which draws energy from its roots and gives it flowers and fruits. Similarly, the elder trees are the flowers and fruits of the younger trees, and the aged bisexual ascetic, the grandfathers and grandmothers of the consecrated life. Don’t hide them. They are the wisdom of a monastic family, so young ascetics and novices should associate with them. The life experience they provide helps to carry the ascetic life forward. Each of us has grandparents, some of them have joined the priesthood, some are still alive, we remember them better today, they help us to move forward. This is what Pope Francis said on his flight to Canada. World Grandparents Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of July, the Sunday before the Feast of Saint Anna Suvakin, the grandparents of Jesus. This World Day was created by Pope Francis in 2021. Also, when Pope Francis greeted reporters on the plane, he spoke while walking in the area between the seats on both sides, according to Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican press office. The Pope, who has been in a wheelchair for the past several days and has been visiting people due to arthritis, continues to treat the pain.