ARUA DIOCESE CELEBRATES STS. JOACHIM AND ANNE DAY, EMPHASIZING VALUE OF ELDERS
The elders and the clergy pose for a group photo after mass
By Martin Anguyo
Arua
Christians in Arua Diocese have been encouraged to appreciate and support their elders, making them feel loved and valued.
This call to action was made during the belated celebration of Sts. Joachim and Anne Day, at Ediofe Cathedral on Sunday, August 31, 2025. The day was celebrated under the theme "Blessed are those who have not lost hope" (cf. Sir 14:2).
According to Rev. Fr. James Edema, the pastoral coordinator of Arua Diocese, everyone is a candidate for elderly life and so needs to cater for them.
“In our respective places, let us value the elderly, let us make them feel that we really still have concern for them, remember where you and I are, they were and where they are currently, we shall hopefully reach” said Fr James.
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Afeku, the main celebrant, urged Christians not to give up in the face of challenges.
”In our lives when we face problems, we give up, let us learn from these elders Joachim and Ann took many years and still God blessed them. For you and me, we have to persevere so that people may enjoy the endurance” said Rev Fr Emmanuel Afeku.
Abert Apio, the chairperson of elders in Arua Diocese revealed that, the diocese will annually celebrate this day to instill an appreciation for elders among youngsters.
“This is relatively a new program, which was initiated by the late Pope Francis. The young may die but the elderly must and there is no question about it. We are on as journey, you are born and as you born, you continue moving until when your time comes” noted Albert.
The Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne (July 26) is imperative as it honors Mary's parents and Jesus' grandparents, highlighting the vital role of grandparents in passing down faith and tradition.
The feast aligns with the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, underscoring the value of grandparents' wisdom and their crucial role in nurturing the faith of younger generations.
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