A lifetime of filial piety
“One of the most important roles in my life—a role I have never stopped fulfilling for the past 20 years—is being a son.”
Speaking at St. Peter’s Church in Samphran, a western suburb of Bangkok, 60-year-old Mitt Mantha reflected on the journey that earned him recognition as an exemplary son.
The recognition ceremony took place during the Archdiocese of Bangkok’s annual celebration of the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.
When Mitt began building a stable life decades ago, his primary decision was to welcome his aging mother into his home. Today, at 94, she requires complete daily care. Yet, far from seeing this as a strain, Mitt views it as the heart of his household.
“She has reached an age where she can no longer care for herself, but within that vulnerability, our home is warm and full of love,” Mitt shared. “Fortunately, my siblings and I take turns caring for her with deep affection. Seeing all of us united in filial piety is the greatest happiness and blessing our family could ever ask for.”
Passing down a living compass
Now a father of three and grandfather of five, Mitt views the recognition not as a personal triumph but as a teaching moment for the generations following in his footsteps.
“Being selected for this award is an invaluable honor, but what matters most isn’t the certificate itself,” Mitt noted. “It is the legacy of thought I want to pass on to my children and grandchildren as a compass for life: caring for aging parents is never a burden—it is a sacred opportunity to honor those who gave us life. What we do for our parents today, our children are watching. It is a reflection that shapes the future.”
Divine remembrance: The 2026 theme
The archdiocesan celebration coincided with the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus Christ.
For the 2026 observance, Pope Leo XIV chose the biblical theme, “I will never forget you” (Isaiah 49:15). The message reassures the global Catholic community of God’s steadfast love for every individual throughout all stages of life, offering comfort and spiritual nourishment to older people, particularly those facing isolation, loneliness, or cognitive decline.
Pope Leo XIV urged young people to revive the cherished tradition of visiting and caring for older generations, emphasizing that the Church is called to be a welcoming mother to all. The pope invited the faithful to transform the scriptural promise into concrete, tender encounters and genuine closeness.
Honor, wisdom, and intergenerational faith
Instituted by Pope Francis in 2021 and celebrated annually on the fourth Sunday of July, the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly serves three core purposes:
- Honoring contributions: Recognizing the lifelong sacrifices and wisdom that older people bring to their families and civil society.
- Fostering intergenerational bonds: Encouraging young people and families to reach out to isolated older people, counteracting modern cultural tendencies to overlook or marginalize them.
- Transmitting faith: Highlighting the pivotal role grandparents play as living custodians of spiritual wisdom and tradition for younger generations.
Responding to the papal invitation, the Church in Thailand hosted a Eucharistic liturgy and encouraged parishes, local schools, and grassroots communities across the country to organize outreach initiatives, acts of service, and expressions of gratitude for their older members.
