Welcome to the Jubilee Year 2025, where Pope Francis has called upon us to embark on a journey as Pilgrims of Hope. The Pope’s message emphasizes the importance of finding hope not only in God’s grace but also in the signs of the times that the Lord presents to us. It is crucial to acknowledge the goodness that exists in our world, rather than succumbing to feelings of despair due to evil and violence. The signs of the times, such as the yearning of human hearts for God’s presence, serve as beacons of hope. The ultimate testament to this hope lies in the courage and faith of the martyrs who, through their unwavering belief in Christ, inspire us to nurture our hope and let it flourish (Spes Non Confundit #7 and #20).
As we commemorate the 45th anniversary of the assassination of Saint Oscar Romero in El Salvador on March 24, we are reminded of his unwavering commitment to hope amidst a brutal civil war. Romero believed that marginalized communities were where God’s presence and hope could be found, even in the midst of violence and suffering. His proclamation of the Word of God brought hope to the oppressed, while denouncing the poverty and repression that plagued his people.
In the face of adversity, Archbishop Romero drew his hope from two pillars – a deep understanding of his people’s resilience and an unwavering belief in God as the source of life and goodness (Carta a las Iglesias, No. 350).
In the midst of the civil war, the organized return of displaced communities to their homes in El Salvador marked a turning point. These courageous acts of nonviolent resistance, led by the “Pilgrims of Hope,” disrupted the oppressive regime and brought international attention to the plight of the Salvadoran people.
The 2025 Jubilee calls upon us to sow the seeds of Gospel nonviolence and cultivate a culture of hope within the Church. It urges us to stand against violence and injustice, championing the dignity of all individuals, especially the marginalized.
Pope Francis, in his message for the Jubilee, emphasizes the need for peace in a world plagued by conflict and violence. He reminds us that peacemakers are blessed and calls for a global effort to silence the weapons of destruction and embrace the path of peace.
Bishop Kevin Dowling, a member of the Catholic Institute for Nonviolence, affirms the importance of Pope Francis’ advocacy for nonviolence as a transformative force rooted in the Gospel.
Let us heed the call to become Pilgrims of Hope, following in the footsteps of Archbishop Romero and the martyrs who bore witness to the power of faith, courage, and hope in the face of adversity.
[1] See Oscar Romero: Reflections on His Life and Writings, by Marie Dennis, Renny Golden, Scott Wright, Orbis Books, 2000
[2] Carta a las Iglesias, No. 350.
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