I spent quite a few Saturday evenings with my Mom’s parents growing up. It became an almost weekly tradition: I would attend the Vigil Mass with my Grandmom (back when Saturday evening Mass was “new”), come back to her house for soup and a grilled cheese sandwich, and then we would watch Lawrence Welk on the local PBS station. (I’m not so sure I loved that part of the tradition!)
Before I could watch my favorite TV shows, though, my grandmother always made sure we spent a few minutes “saying our prayers.” I still remember the stack of wellworn prayer cards she had, held together by a thick rubber band. She would sit in her chair while I reclined on the sofa, flipping through the prayer book she kept at her house just for me. (I should have known then where all of this would eventually lead me!)
No doubt, my Grandmom’s faith made an impact on me. Often, our grandparents are the ones who pass on the faith, traditions and prayers that come to mean so much to us, especially as we begin to have families of our own. And to think that even our Lord could have learned quite a few prayers and passages of Scripture from his own grandparents – Anne and Joachim – whose feast day we celebrate this coming Friday, July 26.
If you are able, why not come to daily Mass this Friday as a way to remember and honor your own grandparents who shared their faith and love with your parents and you? Or pick up that Rosary and offer the intention in thanksgiving for their presence in your life?
It’s certainly more enjoyable than an hour of Lawrence Welk!