June 15 marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day—a time to reflect on the dignity and worth of every person, especially our elders. Like family violence, elder abuse is a grave injustice, rooted in the misuse of power and control. Sadly, older people may experience abuse in their own homes or relationships. Many suffer in silence, unable or unwilling to share their concerns. As Catholics, we are called to stand with the vulnerable. We invite you to join us in prayer with James for the elderly, that they may be protected from harm, neglect, and exploitation. May God grant them the justice, compassion, and dignity they so deeply deserve.
Transcript
Hello, my name is James O’Connor, and I am the Director of the Clergy Support Office here in the Archdiocese of Brisbane. Monday the 15 June is World Elder Abuse Day, a day that provides an opportunity for communities to stand together against the abuse, and mistreatment, and neglect of older people. Elder abuse comes in many forms. It can be financial, psychological, physical, sexual or social. Elder abuse can occur once, or many times and can vary in its severity. Most often, elder abuse is carried out by someone known to the older person. But it affects people from all walks of life. Part of my role here as the Director of the Clergy Office is to support the team and to ensure that our retired and active clergy members are cared for appropriately. To mark the importance of this day of awareness, I invite you to pray with me.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Gracious and Loving God, we come before You with heavy hearts and hopeful spirits. We lift up today the elderly, those who have walked before us, and those who have nurtured us, and those whose wisdom is a guiding light through the generations. We ask for Your protection over all the elderly people around the world. Shield them from harm, neglect, and exploitation. Give strength and courage to those who suffer in silence, and grant them the justice and dignity they so deeply deserve. Today, we also acknowledge and pray for our retired elderly priests, those who have devoted their lives to serving You and guiding Your people. May they be surrounded with love, respect, and care in their later years. Bless them with peace, health, and the deep joy of knowing the seeds they have sown continue to bear fruit. Open our eyes and hearts to recognise the value of every aging life. Help us to honour, cherish, protect the elderly people among us, not just today, but every day. Inspire caregivers, families, and communities to act with compassion and integrity. Give voice to the voiceless, healing to the wounded, and wisdom to leaders working to end elder abuse in all its forms. May all our actions reflect our prayers, and may we be instruments of Your peace and justice.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Thank you for joining us in prayer today. We hope to see you again soon.