Pope Francis proclaimed 2025 as a Holy Year known as a Jubilee Year which is celebrated every 25 years. The theme for this year is “Pilgrims of Hope.” It began on Christmas Eve, 2024 with the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica. It will conclude on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6, 2026. It is also the 800th anniversary since St Francis composed “The Canticle of the Creatures.” Let us be open to the surprises!
In walking with others on pilgrimage we meet others like us, who hold stories that long to be told, songs that long to be sung, and dreams that long to be honoured and hopes that long to be shared. Often, it is just a simple ‘hello’ that opens a door to finding our voice which can create a two-way conversation. When we listen with interested curiosity, we provide an opportunity for the other to find their voice. To quote Maya Angelou, poet and civil rights activist, “I’ve learnt that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” (Inspirational and Motivation, April 3, 2024, Website). In other words, let us treat others with dignity and respect especially those who feel voiceless in our world. They too, have stories to tell, songs to sing, dreams to be honoured and hopes to be shared! These are sacred moments. We may never meet the person again, but in going our separate ways, we know something new has happened.
Let us live each day as Pilgrims of Hope and Joy.
Margaret Doherty, rndm.
