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Now in his 80s, the former Archbishop of Milan and Patriarch of Venice, Angelo Scola, has written a short reflection on old age and the blessings that can come with it.
While never under appreciating the pain, discomforts and limitations that can accompany getting older, Cardinal Scola combines an engaging personal reflection and a more formal philosophical discussion within the confines of a short book.
Old age in practice and old age in theory essentially.
The author draws on theology, scripture, history, poetry and other cultural references to advance his case that older people not only possess a wisdom that comes from their years, but they also act as the transmitters of values, tribal knowledge and traditions.
Multigenerational societies are built on such structures.
Cardinal Scola doesn’t shy away from discussing the physical and emotional difficulties that are part of getting old and suggests ways in which faith can ease our distress and help us to continue to find meaning in our later years.
The author also doesn’t shy away from inevitable questions regarding life, death and what happens afterwards all the while drawing on the Christian story to lighten the path ahead.
