Rome, Saint John of Latran, 16 September 2022

Dear brother,

I have received your kind letter, in which you share with me the International Meeting of the Elderly, which, with the theme "In old age, they will continue to bear fruit", will be held in the cities of Fatima and Santiago de Compostela, from 26 September to the first of October.

Thank you for this initiative and for all your efforts to bring it to fruition. In the light of the theme that brings them together, I encourage you to bear in mind in your reflections the witness of Simeon and Anna (cf. Lk 2:25-38). These elders, in the long life that the Lord has bestowed upon them, bore fruit of faith, hope and charity because they have remained faithful to Him, in a persevering and active expectation that has enabled them to be open and prepared for their visit, thus being prophets and witnesses of his presence in the midst of the world. May they also be for us an example of abandonment and trust in the promises of God, who loves all his children, sustains them in their needs and answers their prayers.

I assure you of my prayers that these days may renew in you the desire to "bear fruit" in your families and communities, especially in dialogue with the younger generations. May Jesus bless you and may the Blessed Virgin take care of you and accompany you. And I ask you, please, to pray for me.

Fraternally

Alvaro MEDINA DEL CAMPO

President of the Vida Ascendente Movement in Spain