From the Prioress: Let us be Pilgrims of Hope

Pope Francis writes of his desire in this Jubilee year that we be “Pilgrims of Hope.” He says, “We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and a far-sighted vision. The forthcoming Jubilee can contribute greatly to restoring a climate of hope and trust as a prelude to the renewal and rebirth that we so urgently desire.” 

In May 2016, I had the opportunity to make a pilgrimage to Wales with about 15 other people. It was during those days that I experienced firsthand what it means to be a pilgrim. We stepped on “holy ground” in many old, historic, mystical, and mysterious places, including chapels, wells, ruins, countrysides, monasteries, and abbeys.  

The trip was transformative for me. I discovered that to be a pilgrim you need to be attentive; listen for the unexpected; awaken your creativity so you can imagine the men and women who walked on this earth before you; widen your vision to gaze on history as it unfolds before your eyes; and live in the moment while allowing the past to pass through your whole body. A pilgrimage is a journey within and without and invites us to surrender our unrealistic expectations of ourselves and others and embrace the unimaginable.  

I believe this is what Pope Francis is inviting us to do as Pilgrims of Hope. He asks us to look at what is happening in our communities, churches, societies, and world and not be discouraged or dragged down by the negativity, selfishness, and greed we see around us. Every day we hear about wars that are raging throughout the world, causing high rates of death, sickness, and disability and the destruction of homes, places of worship, and schools. Because of climate warming, we are experiencing the devastation of our earth through fires, floods, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. All around us people are experiencing hunger, homelessness, and violence. I’ve heard a lot of people say they want to give up because they don’t know what to do. They are overwhelmed and, in some cases, paralyzed by fear and hopelessness. 

We pray that all of you will join us on this pilgrimage as we seek to offer hope to everyone we meet.

How wise of Pope Francis to challenge us to be pilgrims of hope. Emily Dickinson says, “Hope is a thing with feathers” — a bird that sings a never-ending tune of positivity through sad and difficult times. We’ve heard that “Hope springs eternal,” a bottomless well that sustains us. We also can imagine it as an eternal flame, a passion that cannot be extinguished. Hope pulls us out of bed and keeps us going. Hope is a seedling in the garden that continues to grow. Hope is infectious like a smile; it enables others to be positive.   

Our community wishes to walk as Pilgrims of Hope in the days and years ahead. We are passionate about our commitment to the poor, especially women, through Keeler Women’s Center; about our care of the earth and environmental issues; and about providing spiritual support through Sophia Center. We continue to partner with our oblates in spreading not only hope but joy. We are a vibrant community and will continue to give of ourselves until our pilgrimage comes to an end. 

Ironically, being a faithful pilgrim grounds us in stability. Thus wherever our journey takes us, we have the confidence and desire to make the ground we are standing on a holy place where people can experience the sacred and know that God is with us.  

We pray that all of you will join us on this pilgrimage as we seek to offer hope to everyone we meet. We can walk together with Jesus as our companion in this great adventure of life and recognize the holy and sacred places and people in our lives. Happy walking! 

Sister Mary Elizabeth Schweiger,  OSB
Prioress, Mount St. Scholastica