Pastoral Letter for the 2025 World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly of the Catholic Diocese of Macau

Upholding Hope, Embracing the Elderly with Care

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In this grace-filled Jubilee Year, Pope Leo XIV, in his message for this year's World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, wrote: "Hope is a source of joy that never fails, no matter our age. When this hope is tempered by the fires of a long life, it becomes a source of profound happiness." This allows us to deeply appreciate that hope is a constant source of joy, regardless of age. The Pope also mentioned that God often calls people in their later years to participate in His plan of salvation. The examples of Abraham, Sarah, and Moses show us that, in God's eyes, old age is a blessed and gracious time.

With this hope that comes from faith, I share with you that the "Survey on the Health and Living Support Needs of Elderly Catholic Parishioners in Macau," jointly conducted by the Diocese and the University of Saint Joseph, has been successfully completed. I sincerely thank all the parishes for their strong support, all the parishioners for their active participation, and all the surveyors for their selfless dedication. It is through your joint efforts that the entire project was able to proceed smoothly. I thank God for the generosity of all parties.

The results of this survey are not just a data analysis, but also an effort to sincerely listen to the voices of our elderly brothers and sisters in the parishes. It allows us to see that, in Macau, a society where the aging index has risen to 106.1% [1], our elderly are both witnesses of hope and also face some physical, mental, and spiritual confusion and worries. Since biblical times, the "Jubilee Year" has been understood as a time of release and freedom. Departing from the spirit of the Jubilee Year, we are called to help the elderly experience "release," assist in solving life's inconveniences, alleviate physical discomfort, and especially to be released from loneliness and abandonment, to rediscover the free moments that God has given to every precious life. The Pope reminds every member of the faithful that this year is the right time to put this mission into practice. [2]

The research report shows that 33% of the elderly participants in the survey have low life satisfaction. I would like to point out that those who participated in the questionnaire are not strangers we have never met, but brothers and sisters we see in the parish every day. The survey results mean that they are facing some challenges and urgently need us to further understand the reasons: what is affecting the joy in their hearts, whether it is due to physical health, financial difficulties, or spiritual loneliness. [3] "Love" is the core value of the Christian faith. Therefore, I sincerely invite every member of the faithful, regardless of your age, to turn care into the most sincere action—perhaps just a greeting phone call, patiently listening to their recent situation; perhaps visiting the elderly at home or in the parish, meeting and chatting with them, and giving small gifts; or simply, when meeting in the parish, taking the initiative to care for and accompany them, learning from each other, and letting them feel valued.

The Church is concerned about the needs of the elderly and is currently preparing a "Working Group for the Care of the Elderly" through the Diocesan Life Commission. We pray that, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the group will combine research findings, listen to the opinions of parish priests, parishioners, and professionals, plan and promote the implementation of work to care for the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of the elderly. The development of this work also requires the gathering of wisdom and the support of faith from all parties.

Dear elderly, you are the treasures of the Church and the foundation of our faith. Your life itself is a living Gospel. The late Pope Francis, during his last hospitalization, wrote: "Although our bodies are weak, even so, nothing can stop us from loving, praying, offering ourselves, and supporting each other in faith, becoming shining witnesses of hope." [4] Your love for your families, your perseverance in prayer, and the faith you have lived out over the years are the most powerful interpretations of this statement.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, let us celebrate the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly together, sending warmth to the elderly with love and care, and feeling the support of the Church family. May the blessing of the Virgin Mary always be with you, and may peace and joy fill your hearts.

God bless you!

+ Stephen Lee Bun-sang
Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Macau
July 27, 2025
Fifth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

[1] "Macau Population Statistics for the Whole Year of 2023 and the 4th Quarter": The aging index reached 106.1%, meaning that for every 100 young people, there are about 106 elderly people.
[2] Message of Pope Leo XIV for the Fifth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
[3] "Research Report on the Health and Living Support Needs of Elderly Catholic Parishioners in Macau"
[4] Pope Francis, Manuscript for the Angelus Prayer Activity on March 16, 2025