Grandparents are an integral part of the family. Through them, family history, faith, and traditions are lovingly passed down from generation to generation. We see those traditions of faith lived out every day here at St. Benedict Classical Academy, and they were especially evident during our Grandparents Day celebration last week. If it were not for the countless grandparents who instilled the importance of Catholic faith and education in the hearts of our students’ parents, our school would not be here today.
Last summer Pope Leo XIV spoke at the Vatican about the vital role the older generations play in passing down our faith:
“How often grandparents have been for us examples of faith and devotion, civic virtue and social commitment, memory, and perseverance amid trials! The precious legacy that they have handed down to us with hope and love will always be a source of gratitude and a summons of preservance.” (Pope Leo XIV papal message 2025 World Day for Grandparents and Elderly)
He also encouraged the youth to actively spend time with and listen and learn from their grandparents and the elderly within their community.
I remember visiting my grandmother in Ireland as a child and again years later as a young college student. I hold strong memories of her not only telling me real accounts of Irish history from when she was a little girl living in Ireland during a time of national strife, but also those of her tucked into her favorite chair by the fireplace, saying the rosary every night with me. My maternal grandmother, who lived nearby, was someone I could spend time with on weekends. We enjoyed baking together and visiting all her friends in her senior citizen housing. She would take me to prayer meetings and different events at her church, as well. Although I never got to meet my grandfathers, I have seen their works of art, read their wartime love letters, and heard countless stories of the faithful, selfless, and hardworking men they were. Since they have died, I continue to pray for them and remember them as I hold onto prayer cards and books of prayer they gave me.
Nowadays, I visit my elderly aunt, who lives nearby, for a cup of tea and a chat about family updates and current events. I often leave with a new prayer card from her or a new story she told me about one of her favorite saints. She usually takes out her prayer list, which has not only all her immediate and extended family members, but also whole countries, and explains to me that she says 10 Hail Marys for each of them every morning, asking God to protect them and grant them many graces. I sit in awe, knowing this ritual must take her hours each day.
Grandparents are a much-needed support system for their families, showering their grandchildren with countless gifts, whether through finincaial support, hands-on daily childcare, or, in my case, last-minute pickups and drop-offs to school or dance class. Their role has become increasingly important as economic pressures continue to rise, reshaping the day-to-day life of many families.
But perhaps most importantly, grandparents, whether nearby or far away, are the quiet prayer warriors of the family, anchoring each generation in faith, hope, and love. Through words of wisdom, treasured recipes, hidden talents, stories from the past, and simple acts of virtue and prayer, grandparents pass down gifts that cannot be measured. They are precious jewels and truly the heart of the family.
AUTHOR: Katie Elliffe, Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
