In this Jubilee Year 2025, Pope Francis invites us to be “pilgrims of hope.”
A pilgrimage is more than a hike. Typically, you must devote days, even weeks, to it. Every morning, you must recommit to the road, rain or shine. You have to be willing to walk through dreary, boring landscapes as well as more enchanting environments. You must endure sprains and blisters, meagre meals and hard beds. But the goal keeps you moving forward. Pilgrims know where they’re going.
And pilgrims don’t journey alone, for they find themselves surrounded by brothers and sisters who share the same goal, the same ideal. Together, they move forward, encouraging each other, helping each other and singing along the way
As Christians, we become “pilgrims of hope” by following our leader, Jesus. His path leads to the fullness of life, eternal life. Of course, like him, we’ll have to walk through the terrible valley of Good Friday. But the hope he gives us generates in us the courage and strength to live through the ordeal with love, just as he did.
On this Easter Sunday, and throughout the fifty days of the Easter season, let us rejoice with the One who accompanies us on every stage of our pilgrimage. May his Spirit transform and enliven us, making us true “pilgrims of hope.” May you have a blessed, joy-filled Easter!
✝ Paul-André Durocher