On the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, the Rector of the Shrine of Fátima called upon pilgrims to draw closer to the elderly and to discover in God the true treasure of their lives.
The Rector of the Shrine of Fátima stated, in the homily of the Mass celebrated this morning in the Prayer Area, that "true wisdom consists in knowing how to identify the 'treasure' capable of giving meaning to our lives," challenging pilgrims to make God the priority of their choices.
Father Carlos Cabecinhas also recalled that human life is shaped by choices that determine its course, and that true wisdom consists in directing it according to the will of God.
"'Wise' is the one who knows how to discern what truly matters, who distinguishes what merely has a seductive brilliance from what is, in truth, a treasure worth preserving," he said.
Drawing from the parables of the Gospel, the principal celebrant emphasised that the Christian life demands a constant exercise of discernment, capable of placing the will of God above all other priorities.
"When we choose that 'treasure,' everything else takes on new meaning and is seen in a different light: the light of God that illumines every dimension of our lives," he explained.
As an expression of this wisdom, the Rector held up Saints Francisco and Jacinta Marto as an example of those who found in God the true treasure of life. "The example of Saints Francisco and Jacinta Marto is most eloquent of the wisdom to which we too are invited: they discovered the treasure that gave full meaning to their lives, the treasure of union with God."
Marking the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, Father Carlos Cabecinhas recalled the message of Pope Leo XIV for this day. The Rector also exhorted pilgrims to draw closer to the elderly and to give thanks to God for the wisdom they pass on to younger generations, helping them to recognise what is essential in life.
In his closing words, the priest asked for the intercession of Saints Francisco and Jacinta Marto, that every pilgrim might recognise in God the great treasure of his or her life.
The Mass was concelebrated by Bishop Cleocir Bonetti of the Diocese of Caçador, Brazil, and was attended by 300 pilgrims from the National Pilgrimage of Paratroopers as well as 16 other groups registered with the services of the Shrine of Fátima.
Among the national groups represented were the Dioceses of Porto (six groups), Viana do Castelo (two groups), and one group each from Viseu, Braga, Bragança-Miranda, and Lisbon. From abroad, pilgrims came from Spain, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
Audio of the homily by Father Carlos Cabecinhas
