A Home Visit Project for the Elderly

In Montreal, we have always explored the everyday implications of the principle of oneness. We observed that physical illness and the frailties of age can often create invisible barriers, leaving individuals feeling detached from the very activities that nourish their spirits. To address this, we embarked on a home visits project specifically for those isolated by health challenges. What began as a service project soon transformed into a journey of mutual accompaniment. The heart of this initiative focused largely on the elderly, many of whom had spent decades serving communities in many countries. On a practical level, service meant occasionally rolling up sleeves to help with household chores, cleaning, and ensuring essential needs were met. Yet, these tasks were the foundation for more connections. We shared deepenings and spiritual conversations, turning living rooms into sacred spaces where we prayed together, hoping that our friends felt connected to the activities of the community. We also practiced joyfulness through simple pleasures: playing board games, sharing music, and exchanging jokes. These moments of laughter were particularly poignant during visits to homes and palliative care centers, where the focus shifted toward providing comfort and a peaceful, loving presence. To maintain these bonds, regular phone call follow-ups and check-ins became useful ways of having conversations and spending time together. Perhaps the most transformative aspect of the project were the stories. We sat with friends who had traveled across many countries, actively contributing to the betterment of the world. We discussed their stories, the pivotal moments when they discovered their spirituality, and delved into their enduring passions for art and music. In spending time with these friends, we realized that we were receiving invaluable advice on resilience and devotion. “All the challenges you are facing in your life, you will overcome them. But know that the challenges to come will even more difficult. You will learn to accept them with joy and radiance,” said one friend who lived in Congo for fifty years. These conversations not only prepared us for immediate challenges, but made us immensely hopeful about the power of the faith. These visits bridged the generational gap, honoring the legacy of those who built our community while ensuring that no one, regardless of their health, is ever alone in their spiritual journey. We understood that spiritual belongingness has become a vital aspect of unity in our civilisation, and a goal that could be systematically realized in every neighbourhood in Montreal. While bringing these goals into the local context, this project helped us shift our gaze toward a global context where such initiatives can be consequential.