Spiritual Reflection

Pilgrims of Hope: Raising Our Eyes and Hearts for the Planet

As we mark the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’, we find ourselves at a sacred threshold—a moment to pause, reflect, and reawaken our shared calling to be stewards of God’s creation. Pope Francis’ prophetic encyclical, released in 2015, was never merely a document. It was, and continues to be, a summons—a spiritual and ecological invitation to “hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.” Pope Francis’ profound legacy has inspired millions to respond to this call with renewed urgency, but now, in 2025, his passing reminds us of the fragility of life and the enduring nature of his message.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis lived out the very ideals he championed in Laudato Si’, advocating for an ecological conversion that touches the deepest aspects of our faith and our way of living. As we continue to reflect on his life and papacy, we are reminded of his unwavering commitment to the planet and its people, and we are encouraged to continue his work, honouring his legacy by actively engaging in the care of our common home.

As the Church embraces the Jubilee Year with the guiding theme Pilgrims of Hope, we are invited to journey together—not as passive observers but as active participants in God’s ongoing creation. This pilgrimage is not simply about movement across time or place; it is about a deep interior conversion, a transformation of heart and mind, that challenges us to live more attentively, more gently, and more hopefully in relationship with the Earth and with each other.

The Laudato Si’ Movement’s theme for this anniversary year—Raising Hope—calls us to move beyond despair and into prophetic action. As educators, we are uniquely placed to nurture this hope. Every lesson, every classroom conversation, and every moment of stillness in school gardens or under sun-dappled trees becomes an opportunity to plant seeds of awareness, compassion, and courage in the hearts of our students.

Hope is not naïve optimism. It is the courageous belief that our efforts, however small, matter in God’s vision for the world. In a time marked by climate anxiety, conflict, false truths, and disconnection, we are reminded that our God is not distant. The Spirit is present in the rustle of leaves, in the cry of the newborn, in the healing hands of a neighbour, and yes, in our very breath. We are not alone. We walk this pilgrimage together—educators, families, students, and communities—carrying the light of hope forward, even when the path seems uncertain.

Let us also be gentle with ourselves. Pilgrimages are demanding, and hope requires nurturing. As we journey through this Jubilee Year, may we be renewed in prayer, grounded in gratitude, and stirred to action. May we teach with hearts full of wonder and eyes wide open to the sacredness of all creation, following in the footsteps of Pope Francis, whose legacy calls us to a more compassionate and just world.

For reflection:

1. How am I being invited to see the sacred in all of creation, and how does this awareness shape the way I act in the world?
2. How might I nurture a deeper sense of hope for the planet within my classroom and wider school community?