July 2015
Franciscan University Presents
The Theology of Aging
What does the Catholic Church have to say about aging and the way we treat the elderly? How does our journey to holiness change as we become caregivers to our parents? What can we learn about God’s love for us from the elderly?
Dr. Janet Smith, who holds the Father Michael J. McGivney Chair of Life Ethics at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit and serves as a primary caregiver to her mother, addresses the Church’s teachings on human dignity and gives her insights into the witness of old age in this discussion with host Michael Hernon, vice president of Advancement at Franciscan University, and panelists Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn of Franciscan University’s Theology Department.
Download the Free Handout: “The Theology of Aging”
I see that our children today feel that we the parents expect them to take care of us. My daughter told me after going through a divorce and a work related injury that I better hurry and get well and go back to work and make sure I have some retirement because she will have 2 kids in college and will not have time or money to take care of me. I have never asked her to take care of me. I had to stay with her when I had 4 surgeries. I helped physically and financially. I just told her I was sorry I inconvenience her and not to worry about when I was old. I know for myself I will never come to her home again. I would rather be homeless and stay on streets.