The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, has been celebrated for the first time Church-wide at the request of Pope Francis on the fourth Sunday of July, which is close to the liturgical memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus.

On Monday – the day of the feast- the Bishop of Gozo Anton Teuma celebrated Mass at the Sant’Anna Residence, at the Gozo General Hospital, which was attended by residents and staff, as well as Mr Joe Fenech, CEO of the Hospital.

The Gozo Diocese explained that as part of this residence is currently serving as a Covid Ward, a number of residents had been relocated.

In his homily, Bishop Anton Teuma said that elders and grandparents remind us of the importance of time and that no person, even the one who seems weak and vulnerable, is worthless to our society. “Our grandparents and elders are a treasure that every generation should appreciate and cherish as an integral part of it.”

The Bishop added his thanks and greetings to the staff of the Hospital as well as to all those who care for the sick and the elderly in our country.

Following the Mass, concelebrated by Can. Joe Cardona and Can. John Muscat, Parish Priest at the Gozo General Hospital, the Bishop personally greeted the patients at the Sant’Anna Residence.

Photos: Gozo Diocese

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