The aged and the Christian community

Abstract

The problems of the poor, the emarginated and the lonely have always interested me. In my contacts with the aged I became aware that at times they so form part of this group. It: was only natural that they would interest me. At first I considered them as people in need of help. As time passed by I noticed that what one could contribute was too little when compared to what one received from them. My only wish is that this dissertation would help others to discover such a truth. In writing the dissertation I was sustained by the example of those who help the aged and also share their life. The example of several elderly people was also of inspiration to me not only as regards this work but also as a guiding light for my life. In this regard. I would like to mention the old people at the house of the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity at Palermo with whom I had the rewarding experience of working for one month in 1978.