Welcome to a spiritual journey of hope and faith as we embark on the Jubilee Year of 2025 with Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan leading the way. In a recent pastoral reflection, Cardinal David emphasized the importance of staying steadfast in hope, rooted in the innate resilience and optimism of Filipino Catholics.
Filipinos are known for their unwavering faith in God, a faith that sustains them through challenges and uncertainties. Surveys have shown that over 90% of Filipinos maintain a positive outlook on the future, a testament to their deep religiosity and trust in God.
Despite facing harsh realities like poverty, climate change, and political discord, Cardinal David encourages us to hold on to hope, reminding us that as long as there is life, there is hope. He acknowledges that hope may sometimes feel elusive, but emphasizes the importance of trusting in God’s mercy and care.
The Jubilee Year of 2025 presents us with a unique opportunity to deepen our faith and anchor our hope in God’s love. Cardinal David challenges us to be firm in our beliefs and embrace the theme of hope chosen by Pope Francis, as we look towards the future with open hearts and far-sighted vision.
This Jubilee calls for spiritual renewal and structural reform within the Church, urging Filipino Catholics to come together in faith and unity. Let us not waste the grace of this special year, but instead, use it as a catalyst for positive change and growth.
“The one who has hope does not look at the glass as half-full or half-empty. The one who has hope drinks from the spring of living water that can quench the thirst of humanity. We are pilgrims of hope. We are summoned to move forward together, in synodality.”
Together, as pilgrims of hope, we sail through the turbulent sea of life, anchored by the cross, and called to a conversion of relationships. Let us embrace this Jubilee as an opportunity to grow in synodality within our communities and dioceses, walking together in love and faith.
Join us on this journey of hope and faith as we navigate the challenges of the Jubilee Year of 2025, united in our shared beliefs and commitment to a brighter future. Let us walk together in love, guided by the light of God’s grace.
