Celebrating the Treasure of Grandparents
Grandmother of four Maureen Crawford, a parishioner at Immaculate Conception Parish in Sutton, Ont., reflects on her special role in light of the 5th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly on Sunday, July 27. This year’s theme is: “Blessed are those who have not lost hope.” With grandchildren ranging in age from 12 to 16, she enjoys the unique perspective of helping to guide teens on their faith journey.
1. In Pope Leo XIV’s message for World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, he writes, “The Book of Sirach calls blessed those who have not lost hope. Perhaps, especially if our lives are long, we may be tempted to look not to the future but to the past. Yet, as Pope Francis wrote during his last hospitalization, ‘our bodies are weak, but even so, nothing can prevent us from loving, praying, giving ourselves, being there for one another, in faith, as shining signs of hope.’ We possess a freedom that no difficulty can rob us of; it is the freedom to love and to pray.” How are you able to live this out with your grandkids?
The freedom to love and to pray . . . that truly sums up the role of a grandparent. As my grandchildren have moved into their teenage years, they need me less as a babysitter and more as an attentive ear and a safe and comforting place as they navigate the challenges of adolescence. But even as this need remains genuine, I can see them slipping away as they grow into independent young adults. As I admire them in their new roles, I sometimes feel nostalgic for the days when Grandma seemed to always be able to answer their questions and solve their little problems. This is as it should be. Their parents have worked to prepare them for their lives as mature Catholic adults with all its difficulties and joys. My role is less intense, but my concern and love are greater than ever. This is where prayer becomes my solace and my power. I pray for them continually, which keeps me intimately involved in their lives.
2. What impact has being a grandparent had on your life – and on your faith?
Being a grandparent has added a new dimension of love and joy to my life and to my faith. I have a clearer picture of my Catholic faith as a gift to be passed on, in a way that I did not fully appreciate as a busy parent. Busyness can cloud our vision and distort our priorities. As I grow older, I understand the absolute priority of eternal things with a clarity that escaped me as a parent.
I have also begun to make a consistent effort to learn more about my Catholic faith so that I am better able to answer my grandchildren’s questions. I listen to Catholic speakers on YouTube nearly every day. One of my favourites, Bishop Robert Barron, has pointed out that many young adults say that they left the faith as they grew older because nobody answered their questions.
3. How do you live out the gift and vocation of grandmother?
I try to live out the gift and vocation of grandmother in two main ways. I live the gift with constant thankfulness to God for this tremendous blessing. How grateful I am for my grandchildren and the joy that they bring.
I try to live the vocation of grandmother as a secure source of love and prayers, as a place where discussion of life’s most important questions can be had, and where a loving relationship with Jesus can flourish and grow.
We pray for all grandparents and the elderly, that they may be strengthened in faith, cherished by their families and communities, and continue to share their wisdom and experience with younger generations. May their lives continue to bear fruit in holiness and service, and may we always honor and learn from their wisdom.
For more information on World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly – including prayers, blessings and ideas for families on how to honour grandparents and the elderly, please visit the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website.
