Embrace the Jubilee Year of Hope: The Catholic Church’s Call for Healing, Unity, and Optimism

Hope is a strong wish for something good, often filled with belief that it can happen.

For many Catholics, hope is a way of life. It spreads easily, creating a warm, uplifting atmosphere. Friar Frank Grinko, a Capuchin Franciscan priest, sees this change firsthand at The Catholic Center at The Citadel mall. People come in with sadness or despair but often leave feeling optimistic after visiting the marketplace chapel.

“People are really looking for hope in their lives,” Grinko explained. “They feel God’s mercy and grace here.”

In May 2024, the late Pope Francis announced that 2025 will be a Jubilee year for Catholics worldwide, focusing specifically on the theme of hope. A Jubilee occurs every 25 years and features special events like the opening of “Holy Doors” in important churches, including St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. This year-long observance ends on January 6.

During the Jubilee, Catholics are encouraged to deepen their faith and seek inspiration from the Bible, especially from the letters of the Apostle Paul. His writings emphasize that Christian hope isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s a confident expectation based on the promises of God.

At The Catholic Center, around 350 to 400 people each week seek confession from the friars. Alongside this, two daily Masses and spiritual guidance continue to draw in the faithful.

Thirteen-year-old Elizabeth Wiseman recently shared her experiences. She attended Mass with her family and felt a profound sense of hope after a pilgrimage to Rome in April. “It was amazing to see how much the holy sites meant to people,” she said. “It made me feel more hopeful about the future.”

As the world faces ongoing conflicts and social divisions, the theme of hope is especially timely. Lucas Pollice, a leader in the Diocese of Colorado Springs, pointed out that when people stray from faith, they tend to lose hope. “This Jubilee gives us a chance to refocus on God and share that hope with others,” he said.

The concept of Jubilee finds its roots in the Old Testament. Originally, it included practices like debt forgiveness and restoring property every 25 years. Bishop Emeritus Richard Hanifen explained how these ancient traditions highlighted the importance of second chances.

Modern Jubilees serve as times for spiritual renewal and reconciliation. Denver Archbishop Samuel Aquila noted that they offer a grace-filled opportunity to start again, no matter what has happened in the past.

Many feel hope has diminished in recent years due to a lack of trust in society. Hanifen compared this decline to issues in advertising and politics, saying that “when we don’t trust, we lose hope.”

Pope Francis, who passed away on April 25, valued hope deeply. His memoir, titled “Hope: The Autobiography,” reflects his commitment to this theme. His successor, Pope Leo XIV, has called for a restoration of trust and faith during this Jubilee year.

Recently, during a global Jubilee of Youth gathering in Rome, Pope Leo encouraged over a million attendees to seek genuine relationships through Jesus, rather than through social media. He emphasized that true fulfillment comes from faith in God.

Catholics are also encouraged to go on pilgrimages to sacred sites and engage in community events. The Diocese of Colorado Springs has identified six pilgrimage locations, such as St. Peter Catholic Church and Sacred Heart Parish.

Bishop James Golka has noted a growing theme of unity during the Jubilee year. He believes that Catholics should act as “bridge-builders” to foster healing in communities troubled by division and pain. “We can be witnesses of hope only by loving others as Christ loves,” he said.

Renee Wiseman has a remarkable personal story linked to past Jubilees. During the 2000 event, she prayed for guidance in finding her purpose. The following years led her to meet her future husband, who converted to Catholicism during that same Jubilee, showing how prayers can lead to unexpected blessings. “There are many graces in a Jubilee year; we just don’t know where they’ll land,” she reflected.

In a world filled with uncertainty, the call for hope is louder than ever. Whether through faith, community, or personal journeys, many can find strength in hope, even in tough times.

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