MISSIONARIES OF HOPE AMONG ALL PEOPLES

We celebrated World Mission Day 2025 on 19 October. In his message, written on the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle (January 25th), Pope Francis invites all Christians to become “Missionaries of Hope Among All Peoples,” echoing the Jubilee Year theme: “Hope does not disappoint” (Romans 5:5). He reminds us that every baptised person is part of the mission of the Church to share the hope of Christ with everyone, ensuring that the name of Jesus resonates in every part of the world.

1. In the Footsteps of Christ, Our Hope

As we mark the first Ordinary Jubilee of the Third Millennium, the Holy Father encourages us to keep our gaze fixed on Christ, the heart of history. He came to share the Good News and to initiate “the year of the Lord’s favour” (Luke 4:19). Through His life, passion, death, and resurrection, Jesus shines as the Divine Missionary of Hope – bringing healing, forgiveness, and renewed trust in the Father’s limitless love.

Even in His suffering, Jesus remained faithful to the Father’s saving plan, offering us hope for the future. Today, through His disciples, Christ sustains this mission – reaching out to the poor, the afflicted, and those in despair. The Church, despite its imperfections, is called to be a vibrant and missionary community, walking with Christ through the world to bring light, comfort, and renewal.

2. Christians as Bearers and Builders of Hope

Following Christ involves sharing in the joys and sorrows of everyone around us. Pope Francis lovingly reflects on the Constitution of the Church in the Modern World, reminding us that the hopes and pains of others should always touch our hearts. Whether we are serving abroad or right in our local community, every missionary helps to make Christ’s love visible through kind and compassionate actions.

The Holy Father warns us about the increase in loneliness and indifference in today’s world. Even though we are more connected than ever before, many people still feel lonely and unloved. As Christians, we are encouraged to build authentic relationships based on warmth, kindness, and compassion. By being present with love and care, we share the hope and consolation that God has poured into our hearts.

3. Renewing the Mission of Hope

Pope Francis encourages all the faithful to become “artisans of hope,” renewed through prayer and the Eucharist. He reminds us that genuine missionary zeal begins in prayer, which sustains hope and inspires action. By praying with Scripture – especially the Psalms – we learn to recognise God’s signs of hope, even in darkness.

Evangelisation, as the Pope highlights, is a heartfelt journey of faith, witness, and service that unites us all. Everyone – kids, teenagers, adults, and seniors – is warmly invited to take part in this meaningful mission of sharing Christ’s love with the world.

Finally, Pope Francis entrusts this important mission to Mary, our Mother of Hope, praying that the Church will continue to shine brightly as a guiding light of God’s love and hope for all people.

(Abstracted from the Message of Pope Francis for World Mission Sunday 2025)

A JOURNEY OF GRACE AND RENEWAL

Our Jubilee pilgrimage in this Holy Year of Hope has truly been a journey filled with grace – a living encounter with Christ, His Church, and His saints. We, thirty-six pilgrims from Malaysia, spent ten blessed days, travelling across Italy carrying in our hearts the prayer of the universal Church: “Hope does not disappoint.” (Romans 5: 5).

Our journey began in Rome, marking our first three-day visit to the heart of our faith. Passing through the Four Holy Doors – the Basilicas of St. Peter, St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Mary Major – we deeply felt that each door offered a great experience of God's mercy in its fullness.

Each of us crossed those thresholds with silent prayers – for family, for peace, for healing, but most of all, for reconciliation, conversion, and renewal. In those sacred moments, we realised that Christ Himself is the true Holy Door. His words came alive: “I am the Door; whoever enters by Me will be saved.” (John 10:9).

 

Standing inside those ancient basilicas, immersed in the beauty of faith, we were reminded that the Jubilee is not about travelling but about transformation – letting God open new doors within us. It is a journey through grace, where every step, prayer, and encounter becomes an open door into the heart of God.

 

From Rome, our journey took us to San Giovanni Rotondo to meet the humble friar, St. Padre Pio. His life of prayer and suffering reflected complete trust in God. At Assisi, the peace of St Francis, St. Clare and St. Carlos Acutis touched us deeply. Their joy and simplicity reminded us that the Gospel can be lived in every small act of kindness and surrender.

 

In Siena, St. Catherine showed us the courage born from prayer – a reminder that God can use even the humble to renew the Church. Finally, in Padua, before St. Anthony, we felt at home. His uncorrupted tongue became a sign that every word spoken in truth and love continues to live. Their examples whispered to our hearts: holiness grows when love is lived quietly and faithfully.

 

The first part was about grace received through the Holy Doors of Basilicas, and the second part concerns the grace we are called to live as saints. Our final visits to Venice, Milan and Turin, especially the Holy Shroud, invited us to contemplate the face of Christ – silent, wounded, yet radiant with the hope of resurrection.

 

We laughed, prayed, and walked through the Italian streets, and each Mass, Rosary, and quiet moment made our heartfelt journey all the more meaningful. As we now return home, we do so not just as pilgrims but as witnesses of hope. The Holy Doors we have passed are now open within us – doors of forgiveness, gratitude, and renewed trust in God.

 

May the saints inspire us to love deeply in our daily lives. May this pilgrimage bring blessings to our families, parishes, and nation. May we embrace the Jubilee message with joy, simplicity, and humility.