Pilgrims of Hope

What if this year—right here, right now—is your invitation to step into something new?

Pope Francis has declared 2025 a Year of Jubilee, a sacred time when people from every nation and walk of life will be drawn together in Rome because of their faith in Jesus Christ. This symbolic act of pilgrimage and sacrifice is meant to bring about hope, liberation, and rest.

In Scripture, the Jubilee year was a holy reset (Leviticus 25). A trumpet would sound across the land, proclaiming freedom. Slaves were released. Debts were forgiven. Land was returned to its rightful owners. And most importantly, the people were given rest—a time to remember that everything is a gift, and every good thing comes from the Lord.

As modern-day women, I would venture to guess it’s hard to relate to Old Testament slaves being sold for labor and then sent home, debts paid off, lands restored.

Or is it?

With the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” we’re reminded that we are not alone on this journey. Life—with all its twists and turns—is leading us toward God and ultimately to our eternal home in Heaven.

As we think about the everyday challenges of life, is it possible that in this Lenten season, the Lord is inviting us to be liberated from invisible chains? Chains imposed by our own striving… or ones placed on us by the expectations of others?

During Adoration on the Feast of the Annunciation, I sat before the Blessed Sacrament and couldn't stop weeping. At first, I blamed hormones (classic), but after further reflection, I realized Jesus was healing some deep places in my heart.

I found myself contemplating Our Lady’s sacrifice—her “yes,” her willingness to offer her body so that the Savior would come to us as man and Redeemer. Her openness made me reflect on my own.

I’d been praying about whether the Lord would ever call me to be a mom.

And to be honest, there’s been fear… and even some guilt.

I hadn’t felt an urgent desire to have kids—and I wondered if that made me less faithful or less ...well, Catholic. 

But in that same thought, I also felt I had given spiritual birth—first to a new couples ministry, and second, to a deep call to walk with women as a Catholic life coach.

All these questions flooded my mind:

Am I doing enough?

Am I any less because I don't have kids?

Am I really open to the will of God like Mary?

AHHHHHH!

When I brought these thoughts to Confession, a gentle Dominican priest reminded me that God would prepare me for whatever lay ahead.

After making my penance, all I wanted was to sit in front of Jesus and soak in His presence. I imagined rays of light and grace flooding my body.

And honestly?

I felt lighter.

I felt free.

Isaiah 61 speaks of this divine liberation:“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me… to bring good news to the afflicted… to proclaim liberty to the captives… to give a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning.”

So, what does this ancient biblical call have to do with us—women juggling schedules, emotions, careers, callings, families, and the ever-present desire to live with purpose?

Everything.

Many of us are tired, bound by expectations, weary from the noise of the world, or just uncertain about what’s next. But in this Jubilee season, God is whispering:

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28–30)

As you prepare—and prayerfully consider attending—the upcoming Catholic Women’s Conference, think of yourself as a pilgrim of hope. Not a perfect traveler, but one who dares to keep going, believing that God’s vision for your life is greater than what you currently see.

You are not just going to a conference.

You are returning to the heart of who you are in Christ.

You are responding to a call to be bold.

You are daring to be brave.

And just like the Jubilee called people to return to their homes and families with renewed hearts, we too are being sent back—not the same, but changed.

Set free. Rested. Restored.

While most of us won’t walk through the Holy Doors in Rome, we can still make our own pilgrimage to Christ each day.

May 3rd at St. Greg’s is a beautiful opportunity to take one such step—to find rest and renewed hope through sisterhood, inspiring speakers, and the Sacraments.

I leave you with a few questions to reflect on:

• What areas of my life need freedom and reset?

• Where am I being called to rest—not just physically, but spiritually?

• How can I become a pilgrim of hope in my home, my relationships, and my daily routines?

• What does boldness look like for me in this season?

  
  

May this pilgrimage to the conference—and back to your everyday life—be filled with new joy, holy freedom, and the deep peace of knowing that you are loved and a special part of God’s redemptive story.

Welcome to the Jubilee.

Welcome home.

Amanda accompanies women one-on-one as a Catholic Life Coach, empowering them to boldly and authentically use their God-given gifts for the Kingdom of God.We are excited to have her as our 2025 Conference Emcee this year!

God loves you as you are

You don’t have to be perfect to be Catholic. I used to compare myself to other Catholics and feel I wasn’t good enough to be a practicing Catholic and I shied away from the faith for many years.

That is until I learned that God is calling me to have a relationship with Him. Not to be the smartest Catholic in the room or perfect all the time. Each of us is at a different place in our faith journey and it’s our responsibility to grow and develop to be more like Jesus and the most loving version of ourselves. How can we do this?

Here are the top 5 reasons to attend this years Catholic Women’s Conference:

1. Inspiration! Listening to this years speakers will set your heart on fire for your faith. You’ll hear stories of their challenges and gain wisdom from their experiences to help on your faith journey. 🗣

2. The Sacraments: Participation in reconciliation and Holy Communion brings us closer to God.🕊

3. Making new friendships in Faith: Iron sharpens Iron. God wants us to learn from each other and strengthen each other. ⚔️

4. Try something new! Stepping outside of your comfort zone is an awesome way to GROW in faith. 🌱 🌸

5. God loves you as you are! Attending the Catholic Women’s conferences is a way to deepen your relationship with God because you're showing up to simply be with HIM! ♥️

Lift your eyes to Heaven

We’re two weeks into Lent, and it’s been very fruitful, but uncomfortable if you will. I began January 1 with the bible in a year and then added on the daily lenten devotional from the Hallow app. I’m also reading “Loving God, Loving Others,” daily devotional and “New Wine,” from Blessed Is She. A lot of content. I’ve been hearing/reading a lot of good stuff and a lot of challenging stuff; stuff that makes my head hurt and my heart ache. Something Fr. Mike once mentioned was that, Lent is sometimes a season that makes us uncomfortable - we’re praying more than we usually do and at times when we don’t feel like it. I don’t know why this commitment isn’t a practice for me every day of my life, maybe because kids/work/house duties/extracurriculars, etc etc. Excuses that are easy to come by, but in fact I feel so much better when I’m “in it,” inspired by so many wise and spiritual people; people who have had struggles just like mine. It’s amazing to see how they’ve completely trusted in Jesus and blessings have unfolded tenfold. I strive to be like them.

Lent is sometimes a season that makes us uncomfortable.

I can’t remember which source it came from, but one of the days I heard a talk about yearning for heaven and not being satisfied with what is here on earth. Never feeling content with the “happiness” and “things,” we have during our time on earth. That really struck me. How does one yearn for Heaven? We don’t know anything concrete about Heaven other than the pictures our minds draw up from what we read in scripture. It’s honestly been unsettling me for days. I prayed to Jesus, “How do I do this?” How can I not be happy with what is around me - the sun shining, the sound of birds chirping, the wind rustling leaves, the sound of ocean waves, the sight of magnificent creation, my miraculous children, a wonderful spouse and family, strong, joy filled friendships, the pleasures of life, witnessing goodness…

How can I look forward to a place I know nothing about? How can I want more than what I have now? I don’t mean for that to sound vain, because we all have our share of struggles, but generally, it’s a good life. A life I love living. A lot of the time it’s filled with comfort and happiness.

A recent evening I had a conversation with my husband about this very matter and it did bring me some clarity. However, a few days later a tragedy occurred. It was extremely tragic and weighed heavily on my heart. A couple days later, another tragedy. Within the span of the week there were two deaths, a serious illness, and a despairing diagnosis. All I could think to myself was there is just this overwhelming feeling of despair. So many people are suffering and my heart is breaking for them. If it’s not one thing it’s another. I can’t even keep up with meals, gifts, or thoughtfulness for people that are hurting. Cancer, loss of a relative, a miscarriage, a car accident, natural disasters, loss of a pet… the list is unending and too many people are affected daily. Sometimes it just all hits at once.

One of the daily Lenten readings had me meditate on Jesus’ agony in the garden - “If it be possible, let this chalice pass from me” - don’t we all feel like that at one point in our lives? Can’t we avoid suffering? Can’t we have a different outcome? Why me? Why the ones I love? We all have our crosses to carry, some heavier than others. As Jesus said, “Not my will, but yours be done.” He deeply suffered, knowing what was coming.

Rocio Hermes wrote, “Suffering can be both our remedy and our teacher since through the hardships in life, we can learn the holy, arduous work of surrender.” Now, let me clarify by saying that not all unfortunate and horrible circumstances are directives from God. Suffering can be allowed by God and an effect from sin, but it’s certainly not given by Him. Bad things happen to good people all the time. It’s the world we live in. And THERE is where my question was answered….THAT is how we yearn for Heaven. We look forward to being in the divine presence of God, in His ultimate glory. Where there is no pain, no grief, no illness, no deception, no loneliness, no murder, no war, no death. We look forward to everlasting life, living in complete and utter joy and peace with all of those that have gone before us.

I take comfort in the words of Bella Rol, “Your deep suffering is not hidden from Him. Your pain isn’t seen through distant eyes. Your tears aren’t heard by disinterested ears. When you are pressed to the brink of your limit, you are not abandoned. When you suffer, every ache of your heart doesn’t go unnoticed. He suffers with you.”

I am thankful to have a God that loves us so much, so unconditionally, and so deeply. As far as my human emotion, it’ll always be too much for my heart to handle. On this earth, evil will always exist, along with heartache. All we can do with our time is turn our hearts and faces to Jesus to let His light shine on us. We can allow him to transform our pain and use it for good. We can offer it up on behalf of others.

In the deepest part of my heart, I want others to know the immense love of Christ. How can we do this? Well, we know we are called to put the needs of the vulnerable first. Matthew 25:40 says, “What you did for the least of my brothers, you did for me,” and Mother Teresa says, “Do small acts with great love.” While these verses are commonly repeated, how well do we act on it? We can start with REALLY acknowledging people - in person, in stores, at the doctor’s office, restaurants, or through phone calls, letters, or texts. Just by being present, we can bring the love of Christ. We can aid those who carry heavy crosses closer to the Resurrection.

I’ll leave you with words written by Megan Hjelmstad, “If you feel burdened by suffering, pain, or unfulfilled desires, look to the Bread of Life and become a well-fed soul strengthened to feed others. Like Christ, we are invited to allow God to transform our suffering into joy and resurrection for others. Jesus can -and will- fulfill our every longing in the end.”