“There is a youthfulness of spirit which lasts throughout time; it arises from the fact that every stage of life a person seeks and finds a new task to fulfil, a particular way of being, of serving and loving” (Consecrated life, 70).
By Charles Gachara Munyu *
With these words, Fr. Giuseppe Crea, a Comboni missionary and psychotherapist introduced the topic, “Self – care and development of one’s integrity towards old age” on Friday 12 of September of 2025 concluding the second week of the ongoing formation course for the Consolata Missionaries celebrating their jubilee, held in Rome at the General House.
“Self – care is the work the spirit is doing in us, and it is an enduring work throughout”, explained the Professor of Psychology at the Pontifical Salesian University of Rome. As religious men and women enter old age, they express a deep desire to grow old in “holy peace,” having devoted themselves fully to their community and vocation. Aging in consecrated life is a profound journey marked not only by physical decline but by opportunities for spiritual renewal, personal appropriation of the aging process, and strengthened communion with God and the community. He underlined the essential elements that enables coping with and growing old in peace.
Dialogue, Listening, and Trust
Central to a fulfilling old age is sustaining meaningful dialogue and attentive listening within the community, fostering trust between the elderly and their companions. Such exchanges enable elderly religious to feel valued and understood, transforming the challenges of aging into shared tasks and mutual support. Trust empowers them to adapt flexibly to new roles, optimizing their contributions in ways fitting their current abilities.
Appropriation and Adaptation to Aging
Recognizing that aging is a unique path for each individual invites a personal appropriation of this stage as a time for continuous growth and vocational fulfilment. Acceptance of limitations balanced with openness to new opportunities allows for adaptation without resignation. This dynamic process invites elderly religious to redefine their identity and mission creatively, maintaining a youthful spirit despite bodily limitations.
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Strengthening Spiritual Connection and Community Bonds
Old age can deepen the spiritual bond with God, who becomes a source of strength and consolation amid vulnerability. This period encourages rediscovering the core of one’s faith journey and strengthening prayer life, which sustains resilience and hope. Simultaneously, nurturing solidarity and unity within the hosting community creates an environment of shared care and appreciation, enriching both the elderly and younger members.
Physical Activity, Appreciation, and Problem Solving
In practical terms, maintaining appropriate physical activity, such as light exercise or community tasks suited to one’s capacity, fosters well-being and vitality. Recognizing and appreciating the gifts and wisdom that elderly members offer benefits the entire community, counteracting feelings of isolation. Moreover, addressing age-related difficulties with a positive attitude – embracing help, seeking solutions, and creating meaningful engagement – enables elderly religious to navigate their challenges gracefully.
Unity and Ongoing Contribution
Ultimately, old age in religious life should never become a stage of mere waiting but one of active participation and unity in mission. Elderly religious are called to continue contributing through adapted roles, sharing their accumulated experiences, and inspiring the community by witnessing a life integrated in faith and service. This unified approach not only honours their dignity but fosters a communal identity enriched by every generation.
Fifteen missionaries celebrating their jubilee (14 priests and 1 brother) from Africa, Latin America, and Europe are taking part in the ongoing formation course in Rome from September 1 to 27. The program includes moments of reflection, group work, sharing, and celebrations.
* Father Charles Gachara Munyu, IMC, missionary in Venezuela.
