Pilgrims of Hope A Walk Through of the Making of a Jubilee Year” A recap of Guest Speaker: Dr. Josephine Lombardi.
On Thursday, February 13th 2025, Dr. Lombardi presented to OAPCE Representatives from across the province in Ontario: “Pilgrims of Hope: A Walk Through of the Making of a Jubilee Year and all the graces associated with participating in this special Jubilee Year of Hope.”
Dr. Josephine Lombardi led an insightful session on the Jubilee Year of Hope and its significance in the Catholic faith, covering its origins, meaning, and how to participate in its graces. She began by discussing the Virtue of Hope, referencing St. Paul’s teachings on the three virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity (the habit of loving). Hope, as emphasized by St. Paul in Romans 12:12, involves “rejoicing in hope” and cultivating joy to endure life’s inevitable waiting periods. Dr. Lombardi explained that joy helps us persevere in difficult times, while hope allows us to overcome discouragement. She quoted Pope Francis, who said, “Hope does not disappoint,” and reminded the audience that the Holy Spirit empowers us to become renewed in God’s love.
In the Catholic tradition, the celebration of the Jubilee Year originated in 1300 with Pope Boniface VIII, marking a time for the faithful to seek unity with God and renew their relationship with Him. The most recent Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy occurred in 2015. During a Jubilee Year, the faithful are called to reflect on their journey of faith as part of a community, striving for deeper union with God.
Dr. Lombardi explained the symbolism of the Holy Door, which represents Jesus as the door to salvation: “I am the door.” Passing through the Holy Door symbolizes seeking Christ and is an important pilgrimage act. Originally, only one Holy Door existed at the Basilica, but today there are multiple doors for people to pass through as a sign of their spiritual journey.
The presentation also highlighted the importance of confession and indulgences. Dr. Lombardi explained that sorrow for sin brings grace, and through confession, we enter a state of grace. Indulgences, granted by the church, remove the temporal punishment due to sins already forgiven. She shared that in Aramaic, sin is referred to as “debt,” which is reflected in the language of the Lord’s Prayer, where the word “trespasses” is used. Dr. Lombardi emphasized that experiencing God’s mercy and forgiveness calls us to extend that same forgiveness to others.
To participate fully in the Jubilee Year, Dr. Lombardi outlined several spiritual actions. These include making a pilgrimage to Rome to walk through the Holy Door, visiting one of the four major Basilicas, fasting, almsgiving, and visiting local cathedrals. She also encouraged learning more about Vatican II teachings and exploring local shrines and sacred sites in Ontario ( a list of these locations will be shared on our website).
Dr. Lombardi concluded by emphasizing that the Year of Hope is an invitation to deepen our faith, receive God’s mercy, and extend forgiveness to others. By participating in acts of grace, we prepare ourselves for the return of Jesus. Her presentation offered meaningful insights into how Catholics can live with hope and joy during this sacred season of waiting.