ASIA/CHINA - “Day for the Elderly” : Special Mass highlights senior citizens’ valuable contribution to Church and society

Friday, 11 November 2005

Ji Nan (Fides Service) - Catholics in Ji Nan diocese in the Shan Dong coastal province of mainland China celebrated the annual Day for the Elderly with a special Mass. This year the moveable annual Day was marked on 9 September for the Lunar Calendar (October 11 2005). A local parish pastoral worker explains: “Chinese tradition treats the elderly with deep respect because they are known to be wise, capable, experienced, reliable and loving. Catholics adopted this national tradition because Christianity gives great value to the qualities of old people. This I would say is a good example of inculturation. In Catholic communities all over China the elderly play an important part in the life of the community. They are excellent co-workers with priests and sisters, many are highly appreciated catechists, others are involved in all kinds of voluntary service. They are loved because the old always find time for everyone”.
In his homily at the special Mass the parish priest of Hong Jia Lou spoke of the important role of the elderly in the Church and in society. He encouraged younger people to “keep up China’s traditional respect for old people, to learn from them with humility because they are sources of wisdom and faith”. In Zhou Cun parish, the priest asked those present to always show love and affection to the elder members of the family or community. At the end of the mass it is a tradition to impart the Sacrament of the anointing of the Sick. One elderly person present said: “Our Chinese traditions are even more beautiful and joyful when they are permeated with faith in Christ”. (Agenzia Fides 11/11/2005 Righe: 25 Parole: 270)


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