Inheriting a passion: grandparents and the elderly at the centre of the sixth video catechesis

Roberto Oliva is the Italian kickboxing champion. But the skill in the ring is not his only talent: he is very good with puppets, he knows how to make them move and talk, he knows how to invent stories with Pulcinella and Arlecchino. A trait that was handed down to him by his grandfather Carlo Piantedosi, historical puppeteer of the Gianicolo, with whom Roberto has always had a special relationship. He tells it in the short film “Inheriting a Passion”, which takes us back to an all-Roman tradition and, above all, makes us enter the life of a united family, in which grandparents play an important role.

The catechesis dedicated to “Grandparents and the Elderly” is also a reminder of the importance of those who are advanced in years, the sixth designed to accompany the faithful towards the X World Meeting of Families, scheduled in Rome from 22 to 26 June 2022, organized by the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life and by the Diocese of Rome. The short film, made by the director Antonio Antonelli, is combined with the catechesis, as well as the others already present on the website.

"Even grandparents and the elderly are part of our families," reads the catechesis. "Today a prevailing throwaway culture tends to consider the elderly unimportant and even insignificant for society. Old age, on the other hand, is a further time to respond to God’s call. It is certainly a new, different and in some respects even more adult and mature response. The vocation to love is a call that God makes to us at every stage of our life. This means that grandparents and the elderly are also called to live the grace of their relationship with the Lord, through relationships with children, grandchildren, young people and children. The response to this call is articulated in two directions: one is given by what they can offer to others through their experience, their patience and their wisdom; the other from what they can receive from others in their condition of fragility, weakness and need. In this way, the elderly offer themselves and those who come into contact with them a further opportunity for human, authentic and mature growth".