– Homily of his Holiness Pope Francis, St. Peter’s Basilica, Thursday, 9 May 2024

Hope is one of the Christian theological virtues of faith, hope, and love. When you believe in hope as a virtue, you can take heart that no matter how dark or scary your situation is, God is right in the middle of it providing a pathway of strength and comfort for you to be able to walk through anything. Hope is not about knowing for certain that, “everything will be okay.” Hope is not being naive. Hope is not convincing yourself of a certain outcome.

Henri J.M. Nouwen speaks to this true hope in his book, “Bread for the Journey.”

Optimism and hope are radically different attitudes. Optimism is the expectation that things---the weather, human relationship, the economy, the political situation, and so on---will get better. Hope is trust that God will fulfill God’s promises to us in a way that leads us to true freedom. The optimist speaks about concrete changes in the future. The person of hope lives in the moment with the knowledge and trust that all of life is in good hands.

Author Richard Rohr, OFM calls this kind of hope, “mystical hope” in one of his recent daily meditations.

It has something to do with presence—not a future good outcome, but the immediate experience of being met, held in communion, by something intimately at hand.

We bless and honour the immense contribution of all past servicemen and women.

Stephen Said

done great things at ACU in the area of Catholic Mission and Identity.

In this Jubilee of Armed Forces, Police and Security Personnel we remember especially the relatives of our SCS staff who choose to protect and preserve the safety of others.

For the risks they take, the hours of service the give, for what can’t be unseen or unheard and for the toll this can take on their families and loved ones … we pray in gratitude for those who undertake these roles and ask your eternal protection as they seek to keep us safe.

Psalm 121:5-8

Loving God,
In this special Jubilee Year, we lift up the young people in our lives. You know each of them by name—you see the smiles they wear and the struggles they hide.

Some are feeling lost, anxious, or overwhelmed. Some are carrying heavy things no one else sees. Lord, hold them close. Let them know they are not alone.

Help them feel Your love in real ways—in kindness, in laughter, in quiet moments of peace. Remind them that they matter. That their lives have purpose. That they are deeply, unconditionally loved by You.

Give us the wisdom to support them, the patience to listen, and the grace to love them well—even when we don’t have the answers.

Walk with them through the ups and downs, and let this Jubilee Year be a time of healing, growth, and hope.

Amen.

Help them to see their worth through Your eyes,
to know they are deeply loved,
and to find confidence in the person You created them to be.

Surround them with good friends, wise mentors, and strong values.
In moments of doubt, be their light.
In times of pressure, be their peace.
And in every choice, help them seek truth, love, and purpose.

May they grow in kindness, courage, and faith —
and always know that You walk beside them, every step of the way.

Amen.

We pray that they might boldly take charge of their lives, aim for the most beautiful and profound things of life and always keep their hearts unencumbered.

Accompanied by wise and generous guides,

help them respond to the call you make to each of them, to realise a proper plan of life and achieve happiness. Keep their hearts open to dreaming great dreams, and make them concerned for the good of others.

Like the Beloved Disciple, may they stand at the foot of the Cross, to receive your Mother as a gift from You.

May they be witnesses to your Resurrection and be aware that you are at their side

as they joyously proclaim you as Lord. Amen.

(Adapted from “Prayer for Young People, in preparation for the US Synod of Bishops 2018: Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment” by Pope Francis, Libreria Editrice Vaticana © 2017)

We come before You with hearts full of gratitude for the gift of our teenagers. As they journey through this pivotal stage of life, we ask for Your abundant blessings upon them.

Bless their studies, Lord, that they may find joy in learning and wisdom in their pursuits. Grant them the perseverance to overcome challenges and the curiosity to explore the wonders of Your creation.

Guide them in their friendships, that they may build relationships steeped in kindness, respect, and mutual support. Help them to be a source of light and encouragement to one another, fostering a community of love and understanding.

Strengthen their bonds with their parents, that they may navigate this time with open hearts and minds. Fill their homes with patience, communication, and unconditional love, bridging any gaps and nurturing a spirit of unity.

Illuminate their paths to the future, giving them the courage to dream big and the determination to achieve their goals. May they always seek Your guidance in their decisions and trust in Your plan for their lives.

We ask all this in Your holy name.

Amen.

We come together to celebrate our amazing teenagers. Thank You for the joy, energy, and creativity they bring into our lives. They are truly a gift to us all.

Please watch over them and keep them safe. Help them make good choices and be brave in their faith. Guide them through any tough times and fill their hearts with Your love and peace.

Give them strength when they feel weak and remind them that they are never alone. Help them to grow in kindness and grace, and to always feel Your presence.

As pilgrims of hope, may they always look forward with faith and trust in You. Bless their journeys and help them to follow Your path with joy and confidence.

In Jesus' name, we pray.

Amen.