Bishop Francis Alleyne OSB of Georgetown has invited the faithful to contemplate the deeper meaning of pilgrimage—both the physical and spiritual kind—especially within the context of the Jubilee Year.
In his Advent message titled ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, Bishop Alleyne highlighted that throughout the Jubilee, the Diocese and parishes organised numerous events: “pilgrimages, special Masses, retreats, days of recollection, workshops etc.”
These, he notes, were “very encouraging and commendable,” each touching the faith of participants in unique ways and “inspiring the desire to journey and to grow as disciples of Jesus.”
Among the many Jubilee activities, Bishop Alleyne highlights four youth-centred events that particularly moved him: the Bible Quiz, two Youth Conventions, and Youth Explosion.
Witnessing young people actively engaged in their faith brought him genuine joy: “It was heartening to see on each of these occasions young people of the Church excited about their faith and availing themselves to learn.”
During one of the conventions, participants asked him what it means to be Pilgrims of Hope. Earlier sessions had explored issues affecting young people today, including “identity, social media, alcoholism and other substance abuse, violence, incest, music content, pressure from the culture.”
Many of these concerns came directly from the youth themselves, revealing their deep awareness of the world around them. Bishop Alleyne observed their struggle: “It was clear that these troubling realities they see around them were upsetting, confusing and disturbing to them.”
Some felt personally affected; others felt overwhelmed by societal chaos. He sensed in them “a certain bewilderment—sometimes a bit of guilt questioning whether or not they may be in some way responsible for the chaos around them.”
Yet, even amid confusion, hope remained: “They felt in their hearts that there must be better ways of being…Herein lies hope, these are the ingredients of hope; knowing in our hearts… that things do not have to be the way they are at present.”
Reflecting on the tradition of pilgrimage, Bishop Alleyne explains that physical journeys represent inner spiritual movements. A pilgrim seeks to transition “from that existing state to a state where he/she can be freer, less afraid and more at peace.”
He equates this to moments when churches fill on Ash Wednesday and Old Year’s Night. These crowds, he believes, come because “those attendees are stirred by hope to be in a better state.” In making those first steps, “they become pilgrims of hope.”
Among the greatest models of hopeful pilgrimage is Mary of Nazareth. As a young woman in a turbulent society, she too likely felt uncertain, yet she trusted deeply: “She trusted in God, believed in what was possible, believed that the Almighty could do great things.”
Her willingness to embark on the divine journey “opened ways for the Son of God to dwell among us.” And like Mary, we are all invited into such a journey.
As the Church prepares for Christmas, Bishop Alleyne extends a final encouragement, “My Advent wish to all is that we take up the invitation and help each other trust, aspire to greatness and believe in what is possible.”
