The Picture of a Pilgrim

My first exposure to the word “pilgrim,” probably like many of you, was sitting in my elementary classroom desk during a history lesson. For many years following, the image of those who came over on the Mayflower was all I related to that word.

As often happens when we grow into adulthood, our understanding of the world matures. Fortunately, this includes an expansion of our vocabulary. Also fortunately, it can and should include growth in our faith. With the maturity of my vocabulary and my faith, images of men garbed in black hats and tall white socks topped with tapered knee-length pants alongside women with skirts dusting the ground and linen coifs on their heads are the last association in my mind when I hear “pilgrim.”

Now, for me the word holds a reverence and growing desire to embrace the purpose for which I was created - as a pilgrim on a journey to heaven. It is not to be a solo journey, and I know I am to see and to serve Christ in others along the way.

This Holy Year of 2025, the Jubilee called by Pope Francis, is all about action; and the motto our Holy Father has chosen for it, “Pilgrims of Hope,” compels our participation. He said we must “…refuse to turn a blind eye to the tragedy of rampant poverty that prevents millions of men, women, young people and children from living in a manner worthy of our human dignity.”

The four sets of Holy Doors in Rome are unsealed and opened only during Jubilee Years. In the spirit of this sacred tradition, our 2025 Bishop’s Services Appeal, Stepping Through the Holy Doors, seeks to open spiritual Holy Doors within our own community, inviting everyone to participate in acts of charity and giving.

In these days of busyness and neediness, we often feel that we aren’t able to physically feed, shelter, care for or minister to all those who need to be served. Yet the Bishop’s Services Appeal reminds us that we can ensure the most essential services continue to reach the most vulnerable in our Diocese.

Let us embrace this Jubilee Year with hearts open to the grace and mercy offered and to deliver the same hope to others through our acts of compassion.