“No elderly person should be like an exile in our families,
they are a treasure for our society.”
~ Pope Francis
Cabrini missions in Guatemala do a lot to make sure that the elderly population in both Barcenas and Zone 6 are well treasured through the elderly program. This program offers spiritual, educational, social, psychological, nutritional, musical, and physical activities in group settings. It also encourages personal interactions, regular attendance, community involvement and general
growth.
This program is organized by the social work department, together with volunteers (teenagers) and other departments like the psychology and nutrition department. The dynamism of working together as a team is so powerful and goes beyond expectations. It creates a collaborative learning environment for the elderly, volunteers, professionals, and interning students. Also, it helps promote a social relationship where the participating elderly share freely and confidently. The materials and the resources shared in this program are creative, educative, informative.
The elderly taking part in this program are nourished in all aspects of life. The MSCs in the mission share the gift of faith with the participants at the beginning of every gathering with a word of prayer, scripture sharing or faith-based sharing. Nutrition departments share their wisdom on how the elderly should master their diet. The psychology department introduces diverse ways of exercising self-love and care through their daily activities and how to maintain their well-being. There is no doubt that this nourishment affects them positively because of the joy and enthusiasm they all have every time they gather. It is inspiring how they attend actively with their ears open and always with an open heart and will.
They people love taking part in the program every Monday and Friday. They enjoy connecting with their friends, learning, playing, chatting, and doing their physical exercises or dancing every Friday morning. I love the way they greet each other and the way they share their concern among themselves. I appreciate the way they share stories and laugh aloud. They are simply full of life. I have been enjoying this program and I am full of gratitude for the fact that I am able to take part, help, and just be with senior adults in this amazing program.