Chora Museum, “Meeting of Anne and Joachim” mosaic, SALT Research, Harika-Kemali Söylemezoğlu Archive (CC 4.0 via Wikimedia)
CATHOLIC SOCIAL TIPS
Every month our Holy Father Pope Francis asks us to pray for a specific intention. For the month of July, the intention is the elderly. Every ohana, or family, should cherish its members who are the largest branches of the family tree, the kupuna, or elders.
“Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the old, and fear your God. I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19:32)
There are many ways to pray for the senior members of your families, parishes and communities. One of the simplest is to add them to your daily prayers. One way that is not often done is to request a Mass for them. Every parish offers the opportunity to have a Mass said for someone. Request a special intention, and if you are reluctant to share their name publicly, make it a generic prayer for seniors.
“Father, we pray that You would soften our hearts to our elderly neighbors — that you would stir us to love them in both word and deed. Spirit, move us toward action, help us to slow down, to take the time to offer care and assistance to our elderly neighbors for whom daily life has become a struggle.” (Corrie Mitchell)
Offer a rosary for elders in your family while driving to work or during your lunch hour, using a phone app as a prayer partner. I use the Hallow app, but there are many that include a rosary. To make the prayer more meaningful, use one of your loved ones’ rosaries or maybe one that belonged to a loved one who is in heaven.
Talk story with your loved ones! Ask them why they practice the faith? What are their favorite prayers? Pray with them in a way they prefer or attend Mass with them in-person or online, reminding them of the power of their prayers to heal the world, as the pope states:
“The prayer of the elderly can protect the world, helping it perhaps more effectively than the frenetic activity of many others. There is something beautiful here.” (Pope Francis)
Our days are so busy and, let’s face it, our best intentions to set aside time to pray for many things or people just don’t get done. Sometimes you have to delegate to the professionals! My confirmation name is Therese after St. Therese of Lisieux and I have actually been consecrated to her. You can add your prayers for the seniors in your life to the prayer list of the Carmelites at the National Shrine of St. Therese. I often share prayers with them electronically and in response to “snail-mail” invitations. Visit their website to offer the intention: littleflower.org/prayer/
This year is the 150th anniversary of the Feast of Sts. Anne and Joachim, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus’ grandparents. Join a novena for parents and grandparents July 17-25 ending on the feast of the saints July 26. Visit the website of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops for the novena card, usccb.org/resources/Sts%20Anne%20and%20Joachim%20Novena.pdf
Last, a way for you to put your prayers in action is to serve kupuna in need. The Sisters of St. Francis are in need of volunteers to serve seniors without homes and in need of shelter and food. Visit their website to learn how you can help, stfrancishawaii.org/s/communityoutreach.
#PrayforKupuna
Sherry Hayes-Peirce is a Catholic social media consultant based in California.
