Pope calls on faithful to be ‘tangible signs of hope’

By Deacon Cliff Donnelly

Last May, Pope Francis issued a Papal Bull designating 2025 as the Jubilee Year of Hope. More recently, Bishop Golka released his inaugural pastoral letter, “Christ Our Hope.” While these two messages are distinct in origin, they harmonize beautifully, offering a unified and consistent call to action for Catholics. Together, they inspire reflection on how we can live out and share hope in our world, shaping our approach to this Jubilee Year of Hope.

Bishop Golka’s message is clear: we are called to be witnesses of hope in a world deeply in need. This calling requires humility, unity, and charity, alongside a transformation of heart and mind through an encounter with Jesus Christ. Such encounters not only renew our lives but also inspire us to help others encounter him personally. True hope always points beyond ourselves, inviting us to rely on God’s infinite power, love, and mercy, as well as the support of others he places in our lives.

Bishop Golka emphasizes that Jesus alone reveals the fullness of God’s mercy and the truth about humanity, giving meaning to our lives. Embracing this truth enables us to think, act, and serve like Jesus, becoming his disciples and witnesses. He challenges us to break out of comfortable routines, bringing Christ’s hope into modern society and making it known in ordinary places.

In his pastoral letter, Bishop Golka also highlights the Second Vatican Council’s teaching on the vital role of the laity in evangelization. Every baptized Christian is called to be a “missionary disciple,” a role that is not optional but a personal responsibility. Parishes must be renewed as centers of evangelization and missionary discipleship, actively participating in Christ’s mission to transform culture and community. Each of us has a unique role in God’s salvific plan, offering the hope of Christ to a searching world.

Similarly, Pope Francis calls us to be “tangible signs of hope” for those experiencing hardship. During the Holy Year, this mission becomes particularly urgent. He identifies prisoners as a group in need of special attention. Often deprived of dignity and respect, prisoners should be offered opportunities for amnesty and reintegration. The Church is encouraged to advocate for their rights, including the abolition of the death penalty, fostering forgiveness and rehabilitation.

The pope also highlights the sick, homebound, and hospitalized, who need tangible signs of hope through visits and acts of mercy. Such gestures not only alleviate suffering but also affirm their dignity. Healthcare workers, who care for the vulnerable despite challenges, are powerful examples of hope in action. The pope further calls on society to uphold the dignity of individuals with disabilities, preserving their independence and affirming their worth.

Young people, as symbols of hope, require encouragement and opportunities to realize their aspirations. Pope Francis warns that frustrations over job insecurity and unmet dreams can lead to despair. The Church must renew its outreach to adolescents, students, and young couples, nurturing their hopes and reminding them of life’s beauty and purpose.

Migrants, refugees, and the displaced are another focus of Pope Francis’ message. Amid prejudice and rejection, these individuals need opportunities for dignity, security, and integration. The Christian community is called to embody Christ’s message of welcome, ensuring no one is denied the hope of a better future (Mt 25:35, 40).

The pope also addresses the loneliness often experienced by the elderly. Their wisdom and life experiences are invaluable, and fostering bonds between generations is essential. Grandparents, as transmitters of faith and tradition, deserve love and support, ensuring they remain integral to both family and community life.

Finally, Pope Francis turns our attention to the plight of the poor, who are often overlooked in global discussions. Their suffering, compounded by societal indifference and resource misallocation, must compel Catholics to act with compassion and justice. Believers are called to ensure no one is deprived of the hope found in God’s forgiveness and consolation.

Together, Bishop Golka’s pastoral letter and Pope Francis’ Papal Bull provide a roadmap for the Jubilee Year of Hope. They remind us that living as witnesses of hope is not only our responsibility, but also our mission in a world yearning for transformation. By embracing this call, Catholics can bring the light of Christ’s hope to every corner of society.

Each month during this jubilee year, The Colorado Catholic Herald will showcase ways that our diocese, parishes, and individuals are bringing tangible signs of hope to those in need. Many of these ministries are parish-centered, such as those serving the homebound and care facilities, while others require a broader diocesan approach, such as Marian House and prison ministry. We hope this series inspires you to answer the call to serve those whom both Pope Francis and Bishop Golka have highlighted in their respective letters, embodying the spirit of hope and love in action.

(Deacon Cliff Donnelly is Director of Prison and Jail Ministry for the Diocese of Colorado Springs.)