As Pope Francis expressed many times, we are currently living in a world that needs hope. As pilgrims in this world, we are all journeying and experiencing life with all its challenges and opportunities, bad and good, struggles and breakthroughs.

Recognising that the world needs hope, Pilgrims of Hope was chosen as the theme for the upcoming Church Jubilee 2025. In his letter to Monsignor Rino Fisichella (President of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization), Pope Francis explains his reasoning for the theme:

As we approach the Jubilee, Pope Francis for his December prayer intention, has asked us to join him in praying for Pilgrims of Hope: Let us pray that this upcoming Jubilee may strengthen us in our faith, helping us to recognise the Risen Christ in the midst of our lives, transforming us into pilgrims of Christian hope.

As defined by Merriam-Webster, hope is “to cherish a desire with anticipation: to want something to happen or be true.” Hope is a word that is often used in Christianity, although the meaning of hope in the Christian context (as opposed to the general use of hope), has the element of faith. Hence Christian hope better describes hope in the Christian context.

How do we know that we have Christian hope? Well one of the best signs that we possess Christian hope is through prayer. As St Thomas Aquinas said, “Prayer is an expression of hope.” (Summa Theologica, Question 17) When we pray, we enter into a dialogue with God and share our heart’s desires. Coincidentally, Pope Francis has recently released an Encyclical on the heart, called Dilexit nos (He loved us). As the world is needing hope, Pope Francis says, that “we may be tempted to conclude that our world is losing its heart.” (Dilexit nos, n.22)

Although there is the temptation to despair, for me, Christian hope is knowing that no matter what we go through in life, God is always there and loves us. It’s a hope of acceptance of God’s will, of waiting for God’s plan for each of us to be revealed, of perseverance, and knowing that no matter what, we will go through struggles in life.

Having Christian hope strengthens our relationship and connection with God, as when we hope, we place our trust in God, following in the footsteps of Jesus. Following Jesus and having Christian hope is not always easy, and I suppose that’s why it’s a virtue! However as Pope Francis says, “hoping is not mere act of optimism… No, hoping is waiting for something that has already been given to us: salvation in God’s eternal and infinite love.”

As we enter the Jubilee year with Pope Francis on 24 December 2024, let us have Christian hope! Let us pray that we do and embrace God’s will and plan for us, and in the midst of our life journey, know that we are loved by God.

You’re invited to view a YouTube video featuring Pope Francis for his prayer intention For pilgrims of hope here.

Mary Baynie
Communications Officer, Congregational Administration Services