A Letter from the SSMO Superior General
Dear Friends, Family, Sisters and Brothers,
Happy and Blessed New Year.
The Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon had a wonderful New Year’s Day Mass on the feast day of the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. We are grateful for all the good God offers us and appreciate the many cards and gifts all of you sent to the Sisters during this Holy season.
A New Year brings many wonderful celebrations in the Catholic Church. This year is especially wonderful because it is a year of Jubilee. Pope Francis designated the theme of the 2025 Jubilee as “Pilgrims of Hope.” Pope Francis stated, “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.”
The 2025 Jubilee is a holy year that has special graces for those who intentionally participate in acts of prayer and penance. An indulgence is a distinct grace offered during a Holy Year, freeing the faithful from the spiritual effects of past sins. To receive it, Catholics must be truly repentant, go to Confession, receive Holy Communion, pray for the Pope’s intentions and perform a spiritual act such as a pilgrimage, charitable work or dedicated prayer.
Our SSMO Sisters will participate in the jubilee year observance in various ways. One way will be by praying the Jubilee 2025 prayer, composed by Pope Francis, each Saturday at the end of our morning prayer. We will also invite our students, staff and residents to pray this prayer. Prayer cards will be offered to them and they will be invited to unite their prayers with those of the Sisters.
“Pilgrims of Hope”
The 2025 Jubilee Year Prayer
Father in heaven, may the faith You have given us in Your Son, Jesus Christ, our brother, and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by, the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of Your Kingdom.
May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel. May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos in the sure expectation of a new heaven and a new earth, when, with the powers of Evil vanquished, your glory will shine eternally.
May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven. May the same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth.
To You our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise for ever. Amen.
