- 29 July, 2025
Manipur, July 29, 2025 — In joyful response to the call of Mother Church, the Manipur Catholic Youth Organisation (MCYO), along with its federating units such as the Imphal Unit Catholic Youth Organisation (IUCYO), Jesus Youth, and Cathedral Parish Youths, celebrated the 5th World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly across various parts of the state on July 27. The MCYO also initiated heartfelt celebrations in Churachandpur to mark the special occasion.
Pope Francis instituted the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in 2021, designating it to be celebrated on the fourth Sunday of July, near the liturgical memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. This year’s theme, chosen by the late Holy Father, was “Blessed are those who have not lost hope” (Sirach 14:2), underlining the enduring value of hope in old age and the vital need for intergenerational unity.
The day began with a Holy Mass at the Diocesan Old Priests' Home in Mantripukhri, where the elderly priests welcomed the youth with warm smiles and words of wisdom. The gathering bridged generational gaps through faith and fellowship. In a touching tribute, the youth honoured the priests’ years of selfless service with heartfelt gestures, including small gifts, a shared breakfast, and a ceremonial cake cutting that lifted the spirit of the occasion.
Later, youth groups visited several religious institutions, including Carmal Jyoti Convent, Clarist Sisters’ Home, the Missionaries of Charity Home, and the Catholic Medical Centre. There, they offered prayers, celebrated with the elderly Sisters, and presented tokens of love. The Sisters, in turn, blessed the youth and encouraged them to remain steadfast and active in their faith journeys.
The youth also made special visits to Archbishop Emeritus Dominic Lumon and Archbishop Linus Neli. Both welcomed the youth joyfully, offering their blessings. Archbishop Neli joined them in singing and dancing, urging them to remain “alive and active for the Church.”
Following the directive of the MCYO Head Office, federating MCYO District Offices and Parish Units across Manipur also visited elderly individuals in their homes and communities. Each visit included small tokens such as a Rosary and a Rose, symbolising love and gratitude. These gestures honoured the elders’ lifelong dedication to the Church, offering them encouragement and recognition, even amid trying circumstances.
The celebration concluded with a closing prayer led by the MCYO President. Though physically tired, the youth returned home spiritually uplifted, embodying the words of St. John Paul II: “Man cannot fully find himself except through a sincere gift of himself.”
By Tungthang Zou
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