
Dear Friends,
Greetings from the friars of the Province of Our Lady of Consolation!
The theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” aligns with the broader focus of the Synod and Pope Francis’ proclaiming a Jubilee Year, Jubilee 2025 (December 24, 2024, to December 14, 2025). The Jubilee Year emphasizes the theological virtue of hope, which is central to Christian life and spirituality. This theme encourages a reflection on how hope can be a personal and communal journey, like a pilgrimage, where individuals and communities are called to embody and share hope through their actions and ministries.
“And after the Lord gave me some brothers, no one showed me what I had to do, but the Most High Himself revealed to me that I should live according to the pattern of the Holy Gospel.” (Testament, St. Francis of Assisi)
St. Francis of Assisi, guided by divine inspiration, is called to live according to the Gospel, a Christian’s ultimate source of hope. St. Francis’ life can be seen as a pilgrimage of hope, where he followed the path laid out by the Gospel, bringing hope to others through his life of simplicity, humility, service to the most vulnerable, and love for all creation.
As the Church approaches Jubilee 2025, everyone is invited to consider how they are called to be “pilgrims of hope” and “signs of hope.”
“[May] the Lord bless you and keep you. May He show His face to you and have mercy. May He turn His countenance to you and give you peace. The Lord bless you!” (Blessing of St. Francis to Brother Leo)
Sincerely in Christ and St. Francis,
Fr. John Elmer OFM Conv.
Spiritual Director