MIDES WAY IN THIS JUBILEE YEAR
My Being a Pilgrim, My Being an RVM
S. Maria Jemimah Estorque, RVM
"Spes non Confundit: Hope does not disappoint.”
Such a profound declaration of God’s assurance, of His love that never fails, of His generosity that sustains, of His mercy that prevails. Reflecting upon these words, I came across this beautiful inspiration which says, “The beauty of being on a journey lies in the experience of the path itself, embracing the unexpected moments, learning from challenges, discovering new perspectives, and finding joy in the small details along the way, rather than solely focusing on reaching the final destination; it's about the personal growth, connection to the present moment, and the ability to appreciate the ever-changing scenery as you travel. But then, it’s not the travel that matters; it is always about the destination. It is how you get there.”
Reflecting upon this, I like to imagine the state of my soul as a landscape. In that landscape, there is varied terrain. There are the lush, garden-like pockets where I experience joy and delight—the spaces of consolation where God’s goodness is easily seen and known. There are also spaces that feel like a distant desert or lonely valley—the desolate spaces where I struggle to see or know God’s goodness and don’t feel as though He sees or knows my pain. I later realized that what I most needed in that dark depth was to remember that Jesus was with me—right there in that dark place.
HOPE—the very light in the dark.
This is why Pope Francis has chosen “Pilgrims of Hope” as the theme for this Jubilee Year. As pilgrims, we are on a journey to our heavenly home, and that hope of heaven can sustain us on our way. But there’s more to hope than a far-off future. Jesus’ promise, “I am with you always,” can fill us with hope for every day of our lives (Matthew 28:20). Jesus has promised not only to welcome us at the end of our journey but also to walk with us every step of the way. No matter how difficult the road is, we can trust that He is with us, offering us His grace and His strength. We can place our hope in the One who has already blessed us with “every spiritual blessing in the heavens” (Ephesians 1:3). He will always stand with us! Pope Francis once said, "It is a hope that leaves peace and joy inside, regardless of what happens outside. It is a hope that has strong roots, which no storm of life can uproot. It is a hope that, says St. Paul, 'does not disappoint, which gives us the strength to overcome all tribulations."
I believe that our revered Mother Foundress, Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo, is a woman full of hope. It is through her unceasing hope in God that she was able to withstand the many daunting challenges in her time, and that same hope gives birth to a congregation—the Religious of the Virgin Mary. Mother Ignacia walked the WAY OF HOPE. It bears witness to the enduring vitality and strength of the foundation, the spirituality of Mother Ignacia. The lamp she lit to guide the path of native women aspiring to the religious life and the maturity of faith continues to shine. It remains undimmed through the years. The promulgation of the DECRETUM SUPER VIRTUTIBUS (Decree on Virtues), which His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI accepted, ratified, and ordered to be published in the Acts of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints last July 6, 2007, states that "the Servant of God is found to possess to a heroic degree the theological virtues of Faith, HOPE, and Charity toward God and neighbor, as well as the cardinal virtues of Prudence, Justice, Temperance, and Fortitude.” Yes, HOPE is one of her theological virtues, and it was made evident with how Mother Ignacia surpassed the challenges of her times and sustained the beaterio by the sweat of her brow.
Highlighting Mother Ignacia's way in my reflection made me realize that it is the hopeful Ignacia who guided me to walk on the way of Jesus. As her beata, I am invited to always take on the road she traveled toward Jesus—her charism of humble servanthood and great hope in God. As His Holiness Pope Francis so beautifully expressed it: "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 far-sighted vision. This is what I am called to as a religious—to be a pilgrim of Hope.”
On a personal note, it was HOPE that kept me going, it is HOPE that made me live again, it is HOPE that moves me to face life ahead. Someone said to me, “I never lose my hope in you." These words filled my eyes with so much tears that made me find my worth back again. I was once lost and am now found.
Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us (Romans 5:5). Let us always “Hope in the Lord! Hold firm, take heart, and hope in the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14).