Bishops from the U.S. and Canada are urging the faithful to embrace hope as the Catholic Church prepares for the Jubilee Year 2025, which will be inaugurated by Pope Francis on December 24. This year marks the 2,025th anniversary of Christ’s incarnation, themed "Pilgrims of Hope," emphasizing the need for hope in a world facing numerous challenges.
Key Takeaways
- The Jubilee Year 2025 will commence with the opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica by Pope Francis.
- Bishops highlight the urgent need for hope in light of ongoing global conflicts and crises.
- The theological virtue of hope is emphasized as essential for navigating life’s challenges.
Bishop Donald J. Hying of the Diocese of Madison, Wisconsin, articulated the necessity of hope in his December 18 pastoral letter. He noted that humanity is currently grappling with violent conflicts in regions such as Ukraine, Gaza, and Syria, while millions suffer from food insecurity due to violence in places like Sudan, Haiti, and Ethiopia.
Bishop Hying pointed out the increasing number of individuals fleeing their homes due to poverty and violence, alongside a divided political landscape and declining religious practice in the U.S. He expressed concern over rising suicide rates and mental health issues, particularly among youth, stating, "We can easily fall into despair and sadness when we contemplate the tragedies before us."
Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the difficulty of maintaining hope in a world that often seems contrary to divine intentions. He described the Jubilee Year as a chance for a spiritual renewal, encouraging the faithful to view hope as more than just a fleeting feeling.
Theological Virtue of Hope
- Hope, alongside faith and charity, is one of the three theological virtues.
- It enables believers to aspire for eternal life and trust in Christ’s promises.
Archbishop Gomez emphasized that true hope is rooted in the promises of Jesus, who, having risen from the dead, walks with believers as a friend and leader. Several bishops underscored the connection between hope and the cross, with Bishop Dennis J. Sullivan of Camden, New Jersey, noting that the Jubilee Year logo symbolizes this relationship. The logo features four figures behind a cross, with the base represented as an anchor, symbolizing hope amidst life’s challenges.
Bishop Sullivan quoted the Carthusian motto, "Stat crux dum volvitur orbis," meaning "The Cross stands steady as the world goes topsy-turvy," urging believers to find stability in the cross during turbulent times.
Nourishing Hope Through Sacraments
- The sacraments play a crucial role in nurturing hope.
- Confession and Holy Communion are highlighted as essential practices during the Jubilee Year.
The Ukrainian Catholic bishops in Canada emphasized that becoming authentic followers of Christ requires sacrifice and active faith. Bishop John G. Noonan of Orlando, Florida, noted that the Jubilee Year offers a unique opportunity to proclaim Christ’s message of salvation, beginning with self-examination and sustained by the Eucharist.
He encouraged believers to reflect on what burdens they need to release, such as fear and anger, and to invite Christ into their lives through the Eucharist, thereby filling themselves with hope and following Him.
As the Catholic Church approaches this significant Jubilee Year, the call for hope resonates deeply, urging the faithful to become beacons of light in a world that desperately needs it.
