The Scriptures are rich in reference to the deep solicitude of God for the poor. In instructing the People of Israel on their duty to be mindful of and generous to the poor in their midst, Moses stated: “When you give to him, give freely and not with ill will; for the Lord, your God, will bless you for this in all your works and undertakings. The needy will never be lacking in the land; that is why I command you to open your hand to your poor and needy kinsman in your country” (Dt 15: 10-11). Furthermore, Jesus identified himself with the poor and expressed clearly his solidarity with them: “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mt 25: 40).

In our nation today, there are many people who are living in poverty. It is heartbreaking for us to consider the many people, especially children and families, who are poor. We must be aware also of the growing number of elderly people who are in great financial difficulty. To all categories of the poor and needy, the Church strives to bring hope and service in response to the words of Jesus. Through the generous efforts of the Catholic Charities Appeal and through the various works of Catholic Human Services, we address on a daily basis the needs of those who seek aid through the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Of great importance are the services which the Archdiocese provides to the aged.

I acknowledge with gratitude the series of articles which The Catholic Standard and Times published over the past several weeks on the emerging geriatric age. The insightful articles identify the current and future circumstances in our nation, particularly as there are more elderly people who are being cared for by fewer young people.

So many elderly people live on a very limited income, through their pensions and Social Security. With whatever resources they have, many elderly must pay rent or mortgages, as well as their utility bills, purchase food and costly prescriptions. Their difficult circumstances may go unnoticed by many. However, their needs are great, especially when their health declines rapidly and care must be obtained for them. Care of the aged and infirm, as well as the decision process to provide the best means of care for elderly loved ones, weigh heavily on the minds and hearts of many family members and care givers. Particularly difficult is the decision for placement in a nursing facility.

Instilling respect for life in a culture of death
Contemporary culture, the disturbing “culture of death” so vigorously condemned by Pope John Paul II, judges by the utilitarian value of a person. Those who are weak and infirm due to advanced age are viewed by the culture of death as an inconvenience. Some lawmakers and a number of physicians advocate euthanasia, commonly known as “mercy killing,” as the best way for society to deal with the many people who are unable to care for themselves. In the face of such a brutal culture, many family members seek to provide for their loved ones the best care possible.

In his April 3, 2002 Letter to the President of the Second World Assembly on Aging, Pope John Paul II expressed his concern for the endurance of society that is aging and the need to safeguard the social security of older persons and their quality of life. Our late beloved Holy Father wrote: “In the first place, the elderly must be considered in their dignity as persons, which does not diminish with the passing years nor with physical and mental deterioration. It is clear that such a positive view can flourish only in a culture capable of transcending social stereotypes that judge a person’s worth on the basis of youth, efficiency, physical vigor or perfect health. Experience shows that when this positive view breaks down, older people are quickly marginalized and condemned to a loneliness that is a kind of social death. And does not the self-esteem of older people depend in large part on how they are viewed in the family and in society?”

The poignant thoughts of Pope John Paul II strike a powerful chord in our culture. In an age which values physical perfection and soundness, the presence of the infirm can be troubling. However, when our view is centered on Christ, then we welcome the presence of the elderly, the infirm, the weak, and the afflicted, for we see in them the Face of Christ and we seek ways to alleviate their sufferings by our compassionate care. “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” A bold, Christ-like approach to the needs of the weak and poor in our midst stands in opposition to the modern fear of aging and illness and instills respect for life in a culture of death.

Similar sentiment, expressed by our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI in his first encyclical Deus Caritas Est, can be applied to care for the elderly and infirm and to the care-givers as well. The Pope emphasized: “We are dealing with human beings, and human beings always need something more than technically proper care. They need humanity. They need heartfelt concern, enabling them to experience the richness of their humanity. Consequently, in addition to their necessary professional training, these charity workers need a ‘formation of the heart’; they need to be led to that encounter with God in Christ which awakens their love and opens their spirits to others” (no. 31).

Christ Crucified and Risen: Hope of the Burdened
On Monday, June 19, I visited Holy Family Home at 53rd Street and Chester Avenue in Southwest Philadelphia. This Catholic Nursing Facility, under the care of the Little Sisters of the Poor, is a shining and joyful light in the heart of a neighborhood which suffers from poverty and hardship. For 100 years, the Little Sisters of the Poor have served the residents entrusted them in a spirit of compassion accented by their joyful witness to the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty and obedience. In the spirit of their foundress, Blessed Jeanne Jugan, the Little Sisters of the Poor recognize and serve Christ in persons who are elderly, infirm and destitute. I am deeply grateful to the Little Sisters of the Poor for their vibrant presence and generous loving service within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. I thank as well all those on the nursing, pastoral, administrative, nutritional, recreational and custodial staff who collaborate with the Sisters in caring for the residents and who make Holy Family Home a refuge and a comfort for the residents and their concerned loved ones.

My visit to Holy Family Home was moving for me. It was immediately evident that the residents are not treated as mere patients. Rather, they are treated as loved ones, as family, as Christ Himself. There is a joyful spirit among the Sisters and nursing staff, and a comfort on the part of the residents who, in spite of their physical suffering and limitations, know that they are genuinely loved. The needs of the residents are met with great solicitude in a setting that does not speak of “institution,” but rather of “home.”

The central factor in the peaceful, joyful and serene atmosphere is the chapel. Jesus Christ present in the Most Holy Eucharist is the heart of Holy Family Home. There, the residents unite themselves to Christ Crucified and Risen. There, they unite their sufferings to His and they rest all of their hope in His Resurrection. Strengthening them in their faith is the pastoral care which they receive, especially through the Sacraments.

I was delighted to spend time with the residents and especially to offer Mass for them. Mindful of the sufferings, the anxieties, the pains and the tiredness which burden those elderly and infirm, the Face of Christ Crucified became visible. Our Eucharistic Lord nourishes His beloved children and, by His Presence, made their crosses His own.


June 22, 2006