Looking at the development of the Lichen sanctuary, at its beginnings, one could say that it was entrusted to seniors. At the age of 63, the shepherd Mikołaj Sikatka experienced the apparition of Our Lady in the Grąblin forest. In those days, it was a really old man (Rev. Janusz Kumala, MIC, October 21, 2019).
The World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, celebrated on July 25 in the Licheń sanctuary, has become an opportunity to thank the seniors and surround them with heartfelt prayer. - We need grandparents to learn selfless love - said Fr. Janusz Kumala, MIC.
The Day of gratitude to parents and grandparents was held at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Licheń for the third time, and for the first time the local celebration was part of the World Day of Grandparents and Elderly, established this year by Pope Francis.
At the noon Sunday Mass, presided over in the Lichen basilica, Fr. Janusz Kumala, MIC, the curator of the sanctuary, took part in Senior Clubs from Greater Poland. The faithful asked the Mother of Licheń, Patroness of family happiness, to strengthen family and intergenerational ties.
In his homily, the custodian priest appreciated the care for seniors, when they enjoy warm family relationships, respect and patience in their surroundings. However, he emphasized the dangers faced by the elderly - in Western countries, euthanasia is used, they are condemned to loneliness, and in the family they meet with self-interest instead of kindness. - God needs us at every stage of our lives. I don't have to be strong and fit, even bedridden, I can love God. God expects love from man! He said.
He emphasized that it is worth considering the relationship with close seniors who are waiting for us. Do we spend too little time on them? - We need older people, let them live a hundred years! They are needed in families and in the life of the Church - Fr. Kumala. - Let us not be afraid of today's world, but let us listen to Jesus, as Our Lady of Licheń looks at the pilgrims and says as in Cana in Galilee: "Do whatever my Son tells you."
Seniors took part in the liturgy of the Word and the procession with gifts, and the Holy Mass was celebrated by was graced by the brass band of the Municipal and Communal Cultural Center in Ślesin.
