A Spiritual Journey of Hope in Celebration of the 2025 Jubilee Year

The Jubilee Year 2025 was proclaimed by Pope Francis in the Papal Bull: “Spes Non Confundit” (“Hope does not disappoint”), with the theme: “Pilgrims of Hope.” This Jubilee Year invites all Catholics to embark on a spiritual journey to holy places — a time to renew ourselves in faith, walk together in synodality, and rediscover the hope that comes from Christ.

On July 26, 2025, Couples for Christ (CFC) from the household of Rolly & Tess Acuña joyfully responded to this invitation of hope. At 5:30 in the morning, the group gathered at San Pablo Parish for morning prayer, before setting off for the first pilgrimage site — the San Pedro Cathedral, Davao City — where the Eucharist was celebrated with Msgr. Paul Cuison as presider. From there, the group continued their journey, visiting the Jubilee pilgrimage sites: St. Jude Thaddeus Shrine (Malvar St.), Sta. Ana Shrine (Sta. Ana Ave.), St. James the Apostle (Bunawan), The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (Calinan), and Sto. Rosario Church (Toril).

After completing the spiritual journey to six (6) out of the seven (7) designated sites, using the Pilgrimage Prayer Guide, the day ended with a Fellowship Dinner — a time of sharing reflections, gratitude, and joy, enriched with laughter, songs, and renewed bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood.

The spiritual journey left a deep imprint on the hearts of the pilgrims:

• It was a journey of faith that deepened my connection with God, my spouse, and my brothers and sisters in the household. Despite discomforts along the way, my spirit was renewed.
• I experienced grace that brought healing, peace, and a stronger sense of mission.
• Each step was a sacred walk, reminding me of God’s constant presence in my life.
• The pilgrimage taught me to trust God even in uncertainty. Truly, there is hope when life feels dark and uncertain.
• Visiting different churches reminded me that synodality is about deepening our relationship with God while caring for one another as His children.
• Our pilgrimage was a transformative encounter with Jesus and the Blessed Mother. I felt Mary, Mother of Hope, guiding us throughout the journey. My heart is filled with gratitude and my spirit renewed.
• Each church carried its own character and history, yet every site invited prayer, reflection, and a deeper union with God.”
• The pilgrimage reminded me that faith is sometimes challenging, but always purposeful. It was a grace-filled pause from daily life, allowing space for contemplation, worship, and fellowship.
• What touched me most was the unity among us — a living testimony that the Church is not just a place, but a community journeying together toward God.
• This was a grace- moment of prayer — lifting our own petitions, those of the Holy Father, the needs of the Church, and especially the needs of our country during these trying times.
• I realized the pilgrimage was not merely our effort, but God’s invitation of grace. Our humble ‘yes’ was an act of cooperation with His plan.
• As we walked to each church, we felt truly in synodality with pilgrims of hope everywhere.
• Biblically, this pilgrimage echoed the spirit of the Jubilee — a year of release, freedom, and renewal.
• The prayers before the Pilgrimage Cross allowed me to revere the Holy Presence and Immaculate Sphere. “Thank You Lord for touching me”. “Lord don’t let go of your presence for the rest of my life.” Bless all who will do the Pilgrimage.
• The pilgrimage allowed us to journey in synodality as our expression of faith and love for God and each other. Every pilgrim church that we entered, every sanctuary we prayed at, we felt God’s overwhelming presence and message of hope that life, though difficult it may seem, will be full of blessings and graces that are in store for us, as faithful children of God. Am so grateful for this privilege. “Spes non confundit” (Hope does not disappoint). To God be the glory!

The Pilgrimage of Hope was not only a physical journey across Churches but, more importantly, it was a spiritual journey within — a reminder that in every step, we walk with Christ, with Mary our Mother of Hope, and with one another as God’s pilgrim people. (Mercedita S. Tabuclin)