This month offers an opportunity to focus on faith, hope, and the beauty of new beginnings, both in nature and in our spiritual lives. Especially when the church celebrates the Jubilee year ‘Pilgrims of Hope’
The Jubilee encourages people to embark on pilgrimages of faith and to perform works of mercy, bearing witness to the hope that dwells within and to manifest in their belief through outward acts of charity, seek God’s love and Mercy and deepen their Spiritual Journey.
Pope Francis invited the people at the start of the Jubilee to focus on ‘Mary, the Mother of God, as a central figure in the life of Jesus and for us to entrust the year to Mary, emphasizing her role as a guide and a source of hope.’ like a Mother,” points us to her Son and leads us to Jesus. Mary is seen as a model through her “yes” to God, who became the model for all Christian pilgrims.
Pope Francis prays that Mary as our guide and companion in our journey of faith, will encourage and sustaining us, and we need to seek Mary’s intercession, asking her to help us be “tangible signs of hope for those of our brothers and sisters who experience hardships of any kind”. Pope Francis 24 Dec 2024.
In the Shrine of Mary of Walsingham, for England and Wales a Banner depicts with a saying ‘With Mary, we are Pilgrims of Hope’ and invites the faithful to build a communion with God of Love as Hope is born of Love. I personally felt that was a wonderful way to connect with Mary who always intercedes for us and is with us at all times. May we increase our devotion to Mary our Mother in this month of May and Jubilee Year 2025.
I wish and pray along with Pope Francis that this Jubilee brings hope and healing to our broken World, Communities, Families and Ourselves .
May the Mother of Hope Pray for us.
I am sure we are all saddened on the demise of our dear Papa Francesco on 21 April. May he REST IN GOD’S LOVE AND PEACE
Joyce Peter rndm