Jubilee Year of Hope
“Everyone knows what it is to hope,” wrote Pope Francis in his edict declaring 2025 the Jubilee Year of Hope. “... In the heart of each person, hope dwells as the desire and expectation of good things to come, despite our not knowing what the future will bring.”
In his wisdom, Pope Francis called for the global Christian community to tap into that hope, to find inspiration to fuel personal journeys — pilgrimages — of faith.
Logo explained
The cross of Christ is the hope that cannot ever be abandoned because we are always in need of it, especially in the most difficult moments. The figures represent humanity from the four corners of the world, embracing each other to illustrate the solidarity between the peoples, as the first holds onto the cross. The cross, in the shape of a sail, is transformed into an anchor that imposes itself over the waves in motion: A universal symbol of hope. The rough sea is a reminder of the difficulties of the pilgrimage of life. Often personal events, as well as those of the world, press on us more intensely, demanding a greater hope. *Source: Roman Curia's Dicastery for Evangelization
What inspires your journey of hope?
There are many pilgrims of hope in the midst of FSPA — sisters, affiliates, partners in mission, prayer partners, donors and ministry grant partners — journeying through the not-knowing and sharing their motivation to be grace and love to others along the way. They are sharing moments that have reignited hope when it’s felt lost; experiences or dreams that fuel hope for a brighter future. We have been gifted with such perspectives of hope to share.
Viator House of Hospitality
"When I feel like I'm losing hope," shares Brother Michael Gosch, CSV, of Viator House of Hospitality, "I think of 'A.' His painting depicts his journey through the Darién Gap." An FSPA ministry grant partner, Viator House of Hospitality is an organization missioned to provide compassionate and interfaith accompaniment to young adult males seeking asylum in the United States. "Despite the horror [A] experienced traveling through this jungle," continues Brother Michael, "his art depicts flickers of light symbolizing a better life ahead."
Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Rita Feeney
Two images come to mind for me: seeds and weeds. Mustard seeds, according to scripture, are the smallest of seeds and yet they grow into large plants. And weeds find cracks and break through even cement. Now that is what I call tough!!!!!
Mary Ellen Dunford, FSPA affiliate
Hope lives within me. It surrounds me in the ordinary, in the unexpected and in the mysteries of life.
Gazing into the eyes of a child, feeling a baby’s soft cheek rest against mine, the sleeping dog in my lap bring a quiet hope against the raging effects of war, politics, climate change and hate.
Love songs, flowers blooming, a neighbor's helping hand, a smile from a stranger fill the world with hope. Hope is in the telling of tragedy, trauma and pain. Knowing I am surrounded by the love of family and friends holds me tenderly through the challenges of life.
The Creator filled the universe with goodness and hope. It lies deep in my soul when I am at peace within myself.
Dawn's Place
This image — “Hope Spring Light” — is a vision of hope offered by Dawn’s Place, an FSPA ministry grant partner missioned to stop sex trafficking and support survivors. “For someone recovering from the trauma of sexual exploitation, it takes an extraordinary amount of courage to hold on to hope, to believe that healing is possible,” shares Meaghan V. Patterson, SSJS, executive director of the organization. “I am continually inspired by the resilience and strength of the women at Dawn’s Place, as they reach toward the hope of recovery from their sexual trauma. Their stories remind me that healing is about embracing the possibility of transformation — being open to change, willing to learn and, above all, courageous enough to walk alongside others on this path.”