Pope Francis: “Be pilgrims of hope and builders of peace”

In his message for the 61st World Day of Prayer for Vocations, on the theme ‘Called to sow hope and build peace’, the Holy Father Francis urges the faithful to take advantage of the favorable moment offered by the current ‘Year of Prayer’ in preparation for the Holy Year to rediscover their vocation and be pilgrims of hope and builders of peace.

“In the present historical moment, the common path is the one which leads us all towards the Jubilee of 2025. We walk as pilgrims of hope towards the Holy Year, because in the rediscovery of our own vocation and by putting into effect the different gifts of the Spirit, we can be bearers and witnesses of Jesus' dream: to form a single family, united in the love of God and held together in bonds of charity, sharing and brotherhood" said the Pope.

“During this year 2024, dedicated specifically to prayer in preparation for the Jubilee, we are called to rediscover the priceless gift of being able to dialogue with the Lord, heart to heart, thus becoming pilgrims of hope, because ‘prayer is the first strength of hope. You pray and your hope grows, it takes a step forward. I would say that prayer opens the door to hope. Hope is always there, but with my prayer I open the door to it.’” (Catechesis, 20 May 2020)

Christians, says Pope Francis, should cultivate a gaze filled with hope. Despite failures and setbacks, "we are set on a journey to discover the love of God and, at the same time, to discover ourselves".

So no one must feel excluded from this call, everyone must have the courage to get involved, in caring for those around us and for the environment we live in.

“Let us get up, therefore, and set out as pilgrims of hope, because, just as Mary did with Saint Elizabeth, we too can bring news of joy, generate new life and be artisans of brotherhood and peace.”