“Your elders shall dream dreams!” was the guiding theme of the International Congress on the pastoral care of the elderly, hosted by the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life in Rome from October 2–4.
Opening the congress, Cardinal Kevin Farrell called for a renewed commitment to honouring older people’s dignity and their capacity to contribute. “Longevity is not a problem to be solved,” he said, “but a gift from God… a time of grace to open oneself enthusiastically to the proclamation of the Gospel.”
On Friday 3rd October, Pope Leo XIV met with participants, recalling Pope Francis’ call for an alliance between the elderly and young people, so that those who have lived many years and experiences may assist those just beginning “the great adventure of life.”
Local Action in Southwark
These calls from the Vatican directly inform the work we’re doing across our deaneries here in Southwark.
Back in March, we formed a Deanery Group in Lewisham in collaboration with the Irish Chaplaincy, the Anna Chaplaincy and the Diamond Club to champion the pastoral care of older people. Around 50 people attended this meeting, and since then, we’ve formed a sub-group to provide a space for laypeople and clergy to share experiences, coordinate pastoral outreach, and strengthen support networks for older parishioners. Our next meeting is scheduled for January 2026 — if you’re curious to learn more, please sign up using the link below!
📅 Wednesday 28th January 2026
🕒 7pm – 8.15pm
📍 Please register via the following link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/-XDKmQEKQ2OdoERELzBbiw
