In the coming year of 2025, Pope Francis has asked that the Church observe a Holy Year with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” The purpose of this year is to emphasize the hope which Christ brings to humanity by being born into our midst. In a world, which for so many reasons has lost hope, we are to be reminded this coming year of the hope that Christ came to bring to all persons.

This theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” announces that every life involves a journey. Throughout this journey, there are different trials and tribulations that each person must face. Often these trials are passing and we all require hope to persevere through them. Knowing that the trials and difficulties experienced on our pilgrimage do not define us, is extremely important for preventing us from giving up and loosing perspective. As we are pilgrims, it is also important that we are aware that we have a final destiny—the Kingdom of Heaven. Being aware of that is often what can give us the strength to endure through life’s challenges. Scripture reminds us that we are called to be citizens of Heaven (Philippians 3:20) and that it is from there that Christ has come to save us. Continue reading →