The Catholic Grandparents Association of the Philippines invites everyone to participate in the 2nd Online National Conference for Grandparents and the Elderly on July 24 to 26, 2022.
The said activity is part of the commemoration of the 2022 World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly with the theme “In old age they will still bear fruit”.
According to His Holiness Francisco, the celebration aims to further open the people’s awareness of the significance of the elderly in society.
The three-day virtual conference will feature sharing and reflections on the importance of grandparents and elders in inculcating the Christian faith and their role in the family and society.
The World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly is on July 24, 2022, Feast of St. Joachim and St. Anne, grandparents of Jesus who are patrons of grandparents and the elderly.
Kalookan Bishop and Catholic Bishops ’Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President Pablo Virgilio David will lead in the opening ceremony while the following would be the guest speakers:
Day 1 – Ms. Emily N. Beridinco – Executive Director, Coalition of Services of the Elderly, Inc. (COSE)
Topic: Context and Situation of the elderly in the Philippines (A Call to Reflection)
Day 2 – Msgr. Manny Gabriel – Asst. National Chaplain, Christian Family Movement (CFM)
Topic: Grandparents and the elderly are a value and a gift both for society and for ecclesial communities
Day 3-Parañaque Bishop Jesse Mercado-Chairman, CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Family and Life
Topic: Wisdom and experience of the elderly in the context of the synodal journey of the Church (A call to Action)
Closing Remarks: Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera – Founder, Catholic Grandparents Association of the Philippines.
In July, Pope Francis offered his prayer intentions for the elders as recognition of the contributions of their contirbutions in the lives of the people, especially the young. (Jheng Prado/RCAM-AOC)