Archbishop Martin: Grandparents guide families in patience and wisdom
Derry Primate emphasizes the role of elders in teaching prayer and sharing wisdom during Knock shrine Mass
Archbishop Eamon Martin has spoken of how the hip ‘granennials’ who learn dances with their grandchildren on TikTok and know all about modern culture and the traditional role of the wise and teaching grandparent were not mutually exclusive.
The Derry Primate of All Ireland was speaking as he celebrated Mass for the Catholic Grandparents Assocation at the Marian Shrine, Knock, Co Mayo on Sunday.
He said: "Many grandparents nowadays say they get a whole new lease of life from being around young people. I was surprised recently when a 70 year-old grandad was able to explain to me all about TikTok and Snapchat, and I got a real shock when he asked me if I knew that Fontaines D.C. and Lewis Capaldi were amongst those headlining Electric Picnic in Stradbally, Co Laois, this year?! ... I didn’t!
"Apparently, he is a “Granennial” - that is a made-up word to describe the modern, 21st century, grandparent who is all up-to-date with the new technologies, dance moves and trendy phrases. I am told you get that way from ‘hanging out’ with your ‘tech-savvy’ grandchildren.
"Clearly, grand-parenting today is very different to when I was growing up. But thankfully the special and timeless qualities of grannies and grandads have not been lost - like being a good listener, one-to-one, taking the time to read and play and laugh with young people; to share the family stories, traditions and connections. And of course, to pray.
"When it comes to handing on faith, Catholic grandparents have a unique vocation. They show children how much God loves them, and teach them their first prayers and devotions. I often meet grandparents in the Cathedral at Armagh with a toddler, showing and explaining how to genuflect, make the Sign of the Cross, or light a candle. Grandparents are expert at sharing family prayers and favourite saints.
“Of course, grandparents can learn the latest fashions from their grandchildren, but there is one gift which grandparents, with their lifetime of experience, can uniquely share with children and youth - and that is the gift of wisdom. Wisdom is a priceless gift, which few others are trusted to share in the way that grandparents are."
Archbishop Martin said the Catechism of the Catholic Church states that Wisdom is the ‘first and highest’ gift of the Holy Spirit.
"Wisdom allows a person to make good judgements and decisions that are enlightened by God, and to best grasp what God wants for us. That is why parents and children will often turn to grandparents and the elderly for wisdom. Older people can point to what is worth treasuring in life today like: love and forgiveness, peace, honesty and truth; humility, closeness, and generosity with time.”
“When asked advice, they won’t recommend rushing in and making immediate knee-jerk reactions. The wise and faithful person will take time; they will pray for guidance of the Holy Spirit; they have the patience to discern and seek out the things that are truly lasting and valuable - the pearls of great price."