By Regina Igwebuike
St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, Amawbia, joined the universal Church on July 26, to mark the 6th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly with a special Mass and recognition for parishioners aged 80 years and above.
The celebration, observed annually on the fourth Sunday of July, bore the theme chosen by Pope Leo XIV: “I will never forget you”(Isaiah 49:15). The theme underscores God’s enduring faithfulness and His promise never to abandon His children, even in the fragility of old age.
In his homily, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Donatus Oragwam, urged Christians to seek the wisdom that comes from God. He said such wisdom enables believers to understand the things of this world and to have a glimpse of what heaven will be like. He stressed that many prayers are often directed toward material gain rather than salvation.
Fr. Oragwam used the example of King Solomon to illustrate his message. He noted that instead of asking for wealth or the downfall of his enemies, Solomon asked God for wisdom to rule and make right judgment. This, he said, is why the expression “as wise as Solomon” endures. He encouraged the faithful to ask God for heavenly wisdom so that their requests will be truly beneficial.
Drawing from the Gospel reading, the priest added that God often answers prayers through fellow human beings, but people sometimes dismiss such responses. He called on Christians to be attentive to how God speaks through others in daily life.
The Mass also featured a special tribute to grandparents and elders of the parish who are 80 years and above. Fr. Oragwam acknowledged their resilience, noting that many of them lived through the Biafra war and other difficult periods in Nigeria’s history. Some, he said, could no longer remember their parents or hometowns. He urged them to forgive those who may have wronged them and to embrace joy, noting that God has already granted them wisdom and long life.
Speaking on behalf of the Family and Human Life Unit, Lady Philomena Umenduka, quoting the Scriptures assured the elderly: “Even if your father or mother forgets you, I the Lord your God will never forget you. The Church had not forgotten them. St. Matthew’s Parish, Amawbia, has not forgotten you. We remember the good works you did, some as zonal leaders, some who ensured the growth of the Church,” she said, thanking God for preserving their lives and prayed that it would continue to be well with them.
Lady Umenduka while commending Fr. Oragwam for recognizing the elderly, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate the day, explaining that the Unit’s mandate includes defending human life, promoting family life, and providing marriage courses, natural family planning, and marriage counseling.
The octogenarians and above expressed joy over the recognition and praised God for life and good health. They also commended Fr. Oragwam and the parish for honoring them, describing the gesture as a source of encouragement and belonging.
Pope Leo XIV, in his message for the day, called on the whole Church, especially young people, to “revive the beautiful custom” of visiting grandparents and the elderly, including those who have no one to visit them, describing the elderly as “the first witnesses of hope” and a “precious presence and a blessing” to families and communities.
Presentation of gifts, food hampers and cutting of event cake added glamour to the celebration.
Regina Igwebuike is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
