Welcome to our blog post where we delve into the inspiring words of Pope Francis as he encourages us to embark on a journey of hope and renewal. In a recent meeting with the Italian Union of the Blind and Visually Impaired, the Pope emphasized the importance of being “pilgrims of hope” in the footsteps of past luminaries like Pier Giorgio Frassati, Francis and Clare of Assisi, and Therese of Lisieux.
The Pope’s message resonates with the idea of never standing still, of always moving forward towards a deeper sense of joy and fulfillment. He urges us to embrace the Jubilee Year as an opportunity to renew our commitment to being “pilgrims of hope,” regardless of our age or stage in life.
Always On the Move, At Every Age
As we set out on this journey of hope, the Pope reminds us that every pilgrimage has a final destination that sustains us through the challenges and obstacles we encounter along the way. For the Jubilee, that destination is the Holy Door, symbolizing the mystery of Jesus’ salvation and the promise of a renewed existence, free from all forms of bondage.
The Pope encourages us to cultivate a genuine desire to encounter Jesus, to listen to His voice, and to allow Him to fill our lives with a new and profound sense of joy. This joy, he explains, is not superficial but penetrates our hearts, bringing peace, goodness, and tenderness.
To Love and Serve in Freedom
Through the example of past “pilgrims of hope,” such as Pier Giorgio Frassati, Francis, Clare, and Therese, the Pope invites us to become beacons of hope for others. Just as these individuals blazed a trail of faith and love, so too can we become signs of hope for those we encounter.
Let us take inspiration from Pope Francis’ words and embrace the call to be “pilgrims of hope,” always moving forward in pursuit of a joy that transcends the superficial and warms our hearts with the love of Jesus.
