Bro. Eddie Slawinski, MHM, JPIC contact person, share an update from their recent JPIC Links gathering, held both in person and via Zoom. We were privileged to have David McLoughlin lead us in reflecting on the rich biblical roots of the Jubilee Year—a time of restoration, justice, and joyful hope. His insights reminded us of the deep scriptural call to freedom, care for the Earth, and solidarity with the poor, migrants, and marginalised. In line with Pope Francis’ theme for Jubilee 2025, Pilgrims of Hope, we explored how this vision continues to challenge and inspire us in our ministries today. It was a weekend of meaningful sharing, renewed commitment, and encouragement to keep hope alive in the face of the world’s pressing struggles.
Religious and associates from JPIC Links, both in person and on Zoom, recently listened to David McLoughlin as he explained the deep meaning behind the word “Jubilee.” He reminded everyone that the word comes from the Latin jubilare, meaning a joyful celebration. But the idea of Jubilee is much older and comes from the Jewish and Christian scriptures.
David explained that the word “Jubilee” comes from the Hebrew word yobel, which means “ram.” This is because a trumpet made from a ram’s horn was used to announce the start of the Jubilee year, as described in Joshua 6:1-14. Every 50 years, during the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), this horn was blown to begin a special year of freedom and renewal.
The Jubilee year was a time of restoration and celebration, made holy by God. It reminded people of the goodness of creation and encouraged a fair society without elites or big gaps between rich and poor. It promoted justice, freedom, and care for everyone, especially the most vulnerable.
JPIC Links chose “Pilgrims of Hope” as their theme this year, in line with Pope Francis’ vision for the Jubilee Year 2025. Today, hope is more important than ever in a world filled with poverty, conflict, inequality, and environmental destruction. Pope Francis dreams of a Jubilee where the poor, the refugees, and the forgotten are remembered and cared for. He also reminds us not to ignore the “cry of the Earth,” saying that the suffering of the planet is deeply connected to the suffering of the poor.
During the weekend, the group shared many stories of ministries happening across the UK, showing how religious people are working to bring hope and healing in many ways.
In the Bible, Leviticus 25:9–12 talks about the Jubilee year: “You shall make the 50th year holy, and proclaim freedom for all people in the land.” This year was meant to bring justice—restoring land, canceling debts, and welcoming strangers and outsiders into the community.
When Jesus spoke in the synagogue in Nazareth, he read from the Prophet Isaiah and declared a Jubilee: good news for the poor, healing for the broken, freedom for the captives, and sight for the blind (Luke 4:18-21). Jesus showed that when God is near, people are set free from all forms of suffering and oppression. He came as a messenger filled with God’s Spirit, carrying a message of love, hope, and justice for all.
The Bible reminds us to care for strangers, widows, and orphans—those who are often forgotten. Leviticus 19:34 says, “You must treat the foreigner living among you as you treat your own people, and love them as yourself.”
Jubilee is a central theme in the Gospel of Luke. It reflects Jesus’ message of hope and his vision of a fairer, kinder world. When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, he used the word “Abba,” meaning “Daddy,” showing how close and loving God is. Pope Francis prays that during the Jubilee of 2025, Christian hope will shine like a light to all people, sharing God’s love with everyone.
Creation is also a gift from God, and we are called to care for it with love and respect. JPIC highlights the importance of protecting nature, just as Pope Francis teaches in his writings Laudato Si and Laudate Deum.
At the end of the conference, participants left with renewed hope—for themselves, for others, and for the world. They gave special thanks to David McLoughlin for his guidance and to the staff at OMI Wistaston Hall in Crewe for their warm hospitality.
Source: ICN
