Catholic bishop emphasises roles of elders in families, churches, nation building

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan 

As the Catholic Church celebrates the gift of elders, the Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Oyo, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, urges the elderly not to be weary as they are still needed in their families, churches and nation building.

Badejo made the remark on Sunday in his message titled: “Special Message to the Elderly and Grandparents”.

The catholic bishop urged elderly people and grandparents to continue to impact good morals to the youth.

“As the universal Church through The Holy Father, Pope Francis has asked us to do, the Catholic Diocese of Oyo today celebrates the gift of all our elderly and grandparents.

“I greet you all and pray for you. Joy, fulfillment, good health of mind and body shall be yours. We cherish your wisdom, experience and faith.

“You are still useful and needed in the nation, the church, in the family and in the life of your children and grandchildren.

“Please continue to impact and imbue us with your good counsel, experience, faith stories and generosity,” he said.

Badejo enjoined them never to forget the land of their birth and the Church that raised them in the faith.

He prayed that God will bless the elderly with more fruitful years and that their children and descendants be gracious to them.

“Remember that Psalm 92 reads “The upright will flourish like the palm tree , will grow like a cedar of Lebanon planted in the house of Yahweh, they will flourish in the courts of our God.

“In old age, they will still bear fruit , will remain fresh and green, to proclaim Yahweh’s integrity; my rock, in whom no fault can be found (Psalm 92: 12-15),” Badejo said. (NAN)