Our series of Advent reflections for 2025 reflects the theme of Jubilee Year: Pilgrims of Hope. In selecting this theme, Pope Francis specifically named the Jubilee Year “Hope does not Disappoint,” a verse from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans.
In the Gospels of both Matthew and Luke, we hear of various pilgrimages of hope surrounding the Nativity: the Visitation, Mary’s pilgrimage to her cousin, Elizabeth; the Adoration of the Shepherds, when the shepherds in Bethlehem—those on the periphery of society—heard and responded to the angel’s message; the Adoration of the Magi, wherein it became clear that the mystery of the Incarnation was for the entire human race; and the Flight into Egypt, when Joseph led the Holy Family into a strange land, fleeing violence and terror. Four sisters have provided reflections on these Pilgrimages of Hope, which will be shared during each of the four weeks of Advent.
The Visitation — Our Pilgrimage of Hope
By Sister Francis Jerome Cruz
Advent: A time of hope, a time for a renewed vision
By Sister Angelina Mitre
Making a Pilgrimage of Hope with modern-day Magi
By Sister Patricia Moriarty
Journeying into Hope
By Sister Maryanne Stevens