The One Accompanied 87
spiritually and morally, to appreciate the true value of this stage of
life. (General Audience, March 11, 2015)
For grandparents and those of elder age, accompaniment assists one in
discovering what the vocation of this stage looks like according to their per-
sonal circumstances. Therefore, a main task of accompanying those of elder
age is guiding them towards a new sense of inner prayer life. To this end,
a mentor of grandparents and those of elder age helps the one they accom-
pany to develop a renewed sense of prayer to discern God’s call in the latter
stages of their life, as well as to support others through their intercession:
Grandfathers and grandmothers form the enduring “chorus” of a
great spiritual sanctuary, where prayers of supplication and songs
of praise sustain the community which toils and struggles in the
field of life. (General Audience, March 11, 2015)
The accompaniment of grandparents and the elderly is fertile ground for
intergenerational ministry. Besides being accompanied by their peers, the
elderly can also be accompanied by younger mentors. Younger mentors can
help the elders they accompany to recognize their own value in their com-
munity and family, as well as guide them to develop a freshness through
which they can look back on their own life. Similarly, grandparents are par-
ticularly gifted mentors. Their faithful presence, witness, and love sustain
the vigor of the Christian community:
How beautiful, however, is the encouragement an elderly per-
son manages to pass on to a young person who is seeking the
meaning of faith and of life! It is truly the mission of grand-
parents, the vocation of the elderly. The words of grandpar-
ents have special value for the young. And the young know it.
(General Audience, March 11, 2015)
The Sick, Homebound, and Those with Special Needs
For the sick, homebound, and disabled, the Christian community can
be a great source of comfort and healing. The sick and homebound can often
be isolated from parishes and communities, making it difficult to share the
experiences of their life with others. Accompaniment can be a way in which
the sick and homebound are given a space to share the challenges of their
lives with others, and draw strength from love and friendship. Mentors of