Parish Priest of St. Kizito Parish, Fr. Martin Mulholland, has called on grandparents to embrace their God-given role of passing on faith, wisdom and Christian values to younger generations, describing them as a priceless treasure in both families and the Church.
Preaching during his homily at the celebration of the 6th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly and the Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and grandparents of Jesus Christ, Fr. Mulholland said society often overlooks the elderly, yet they continue to play a vital role in shaping the spiritual and moral lives of children.
He encouraged grandparents to use the time they spend with their grandchildren to teach them how to pray, introduce them to the Bible and help them grow in their relationship with God. He said faith is best passed on through daily example, love and prayer within the family.
Fr. Mulholland concluded by thanking grandparents for their wisdom, sacrifices and unwavering love, urging them to continue sharing their experience and faith with younger generations, saying they remain a precious gift to families, the Church and society.
Special blessings
Grandparents and the elderly were given a special blessing at both Masses of the day
In his message for this year’s celebration of the 6th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, says that the elderly, who often experience loneliness, neglect, and isolation, are precious in God’s sight and are a blessing, not a burden. He reminds us that their prayers, wisdom, faith, and witness are invaluable gifts to the Church and society.
Under the theme “I will never forget you” (Isaiah 49:15), the Holy Father urges us all to make the Lord’s promise a reality through our care and affection for the elderly. The Church should be a visible sign of God’s love, ensuring that every elderly person is treated with dignity, love, and companionship.
Visit from Chancellor College Catholic Alumni Choir
During the first Sunday (Chichewa) Mass of the day, the liturgy was beautifully enriched by the Chancellor College Catholic Alumni Choir. The choir visited the parish to animate our liturgy and later held a Coffee Morning to raise funds for their ongoing activities. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect and share a warm cup on an overcast morning.