Being a Grandparent is a Treasured Gift
WORLD DAY OF GRANDPARENTS & THE ELDERLY
"His mercy is from age to age" (Lk 1:50)
Pope Francis instituted this Day in 2021 since, he believes, grandparents are often forgotten, yet they "are the link between generations, passing on the experience of life and faith to the young." Vatican News
We are excited to share one grandmother's story below in honor of this day! Our hope is that we all can call, visit, remember, honor, and spread love to our grandparents each and every day.
My role as a grandmother, aka "Grandy," has been a magnanimous honor! I feel that love and trust are the shining elements that I practice with my awesome four grandchildren. Creating and maintaining a foundation of honesty and caring are vital in familial dynamics. Respect is the sunshine and cornerstone of the relationship. Joy and laughter bring happiness to all interactions—mistakes included!
As I age, now 77 years old, being my authentic self is vital. Making mistakes, forgetfulness at times, and becoming impatient with myself are all attributes I fervently attempt to accept, recognize, and continue to grow, experiencing a roller coaster of emotions!
Charlie, age 12, Molly and Scarlett, age 11, and Bridger, age 5, are my champions, cuddle bugs, and teachers! Sharing time with them fills my heart with joy. God is great! His blessing with these four inspirations shines in my life daily! Their incredible parents have been super examples of leadership and compassion. The magnanimous privilege of being a Grandmother is LOVE! Sharing my experiences from childhood has resulted in laughter, joy, disbelief, awe, and oops!
Being Grandy has been a treasured gift from God! Being authentic and making mistakes has enlightened my life incredibly and shown my grandchildren that mistakes can be blessings! Their presence is a present! My favorite comment from the "Fab Four" is, "I love you, Grandy!"
—"Grandy" Judith Crane/Guest Blogger
SPECIAL GRACE FROM POPE FRANCIS AND THE VATICAN GIVEN TO YOU ON JULY 23rd
JULY 23rd is a very special day—Pope Francis invites us all to celebrate Grandparents and the Elderly and offers us suggestions to live out this celebration and, as a result, offers the extreme grace of Plenary Indulgence to all those that put into action the requirements.
WHAT IS A PLENARY INDULGENCE:
Plenary Indulgence = a special type of indulgence that, if all the requirements are met, removes all temporal punishment due to one's sin. An indulgence is obtained when the requirements are carried forth with sincerity of heart and a sincere desire to be free from attachment to sin. Plenary Indulgence can free a person from sin on earth and in purgatory. One of the greatest gifts we can offer for our loved ones that have passed is to offer prayers and offer Plenary Indulgence, which can free them from purgatory and welcome them into heaven.
WHAT ARE WE ASKED TO DO IN ORDER TO RECEIVE TODAY'S JULY 23rd, 2023 PLENARY INDULGENCE
1. Visit the Elderly, especially the sick, disabled, or alone.
2. Bring Flowers or a small gesture of your love.
3. Offer a prayer of care and protection over them.
4. Go to Mass and offer the mass for the Elderly, and/or bring them to Mass with you.
5. Thank them for their wisdom and their faith.
This is all that Pope Francis is requiring from us. In addition to the five steps, the other traditional actions required are the following:
1. Go to Confession
2. Receive Eucharist
3. Offer prayers for the intention of Pope Francis.
YOUR GIFT
Plenary Indulgence! You can receive this grace for yourself or OFFER it for a deceased loved one.
