Jubilee Year of Hope draws hundreds to St. Augustine Cathedral

 

Dear Brothers and sisters in Christ,  

 

Pope Francis has designated the Jubilee Year of 2025 under the theme of “HOPE.”  In my case, I find it hard to think of the word “hope” without calling to mind that as a child, my mother taught me when saying the rosary—that before any of the 5 mysteries are prayed, those first three beads with their accompanying “Hail Mary” prayers, are invoked for an increase of Faith, HOPE, and Charity. What I didn’t know at the time is that these three—faith, hope, and charity—are the three THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES of Christianity. And while we speak often of faith (and we should), and while we invoke the call to charity often (which is also fundamental to our faith life) … we probably focus far too little on HOPE.  From that perspective, I’m deeply grateful to Pope Francis for giving us this wonderful opportunity. 

Now, the Catechism of the Catholic Church (in paragraph 1817) teaches us that Hope is that theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness …  placing our trust in Christ's promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit. Hope keeps us from discouragement; it sustains us during times of abandonment; and it opens up our hearts in expectation of eternal joy. 

 

To enter into the Jubilee Year here the Diocese of Tucson celebrated two special Masses at Saint Augustine Cathedral on Sunday, December 29, both in English and Spanish.  

 

We also will have a series of brief reflections on varying themes associated with hope, as outlined by Pope Francis. These reflections will be prepared and presented by various clergy and lay ministers throughout our Diocese, touching upon the following themes: