Bishop encourages seniors to continue as keepers of the faith

METUCHEN — Standing beneath a stained glass window depicting the visitation of the angel Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Bishop James F. Checchio told the seniors seated before him, “Like Mary, you are deeply aware of the presence of God in your lives. You, too, model discipleship in our day.”

Seniors citizens and the religious who care for them in healthcare facilities celebrated their integral role in the faith life of the diocese at a Mass at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi. Celebrated March 25, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, the liturgy marked the first diocesan event to commemorate the Year of the Family.

“We honor our seniors and pray for them,” the bishop told the faithful at the Cathedral and watching via livestream. He recognized the efforts of three orders that care for the seniors — the Little Servant Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, who staff St. Joseph Senior Home, Woodbridge; the Sisters of Mercy, who care for the sick and elderly in McAuley Hall Healthcare Center, Watchung; and the Little Sisters of the Poor, whose charism is exercised in Flemington — noting, “You have been in our hearts and our prayers.”

In his homily, Bishop Checchio said Mary was the ideal disciple, and her freely-given “yes” to carry the Son of God in her womb “was the jubilant door through which God entered the world becoming man.”

“She prepared herself by prayer, opened herself to God and his will… she was the first missionary by sharing the Good News with her cousin, Elizabeth,” he added.

Bishop Checchio charged the seniors to continue their important role as keepers of the faith, saying: “Speak with and to God. Be a missionary. Bring the presence of Christ into the world by what you say and do.”

Calling them an inspiration during this past year of COVID-19’s forced isolation and sacrifice, Bishop Checchio urged them to continue their example of faith for the young.

“You, too, model discipleship in our day. Children need that example and you clearly provide it for them,” he said. “Seminarians reference their grandparents’ faith for reawakening their faith or for being a priest. Know it provides you a strong, solid foundation in their lives. Your examples will come back to them. Never doubt it.”

To mark the fifth-year anniversary of his apostolic exhortation “Amoris Laetitia, The Joy of Love,” Pope Francis has designated March 19, 2021, through June 26, 2022 as the Year of the Family. In her column from the March 25 issue of “The Catholic Spirit,” Jennifer Ruggiero, secretary, diocesan Secretariat for Family and Pastoral Life, described how a senior-centered event held value for faithful of all ages.

“It can be an opportunity to be reminded that our elderly brothers and sisters have lived a life of ‘fiat’ and, in their golden years, are profound witnesses of saying ‘yes’ to God over and over again,” she wrote. “As we begin this year of the family, let us express our profound gratitude for the many ways in which faithful and generous older Catholics have built — and continue to build — the Church.”

Sister of Christian Charity Anna Nguyen, delegate for Religious in the diocese, expressed her thanks for the religious orders with the charism of caring for seniors throughout the diocese.

“The seniors have been impacted significantly during the pandemic,” Sister Anna said. “Our grandparents are needed, they are special, and they are our example of Mary’s fiat.”