Dear ,

In the heart of each person, hope dwells as the desire and expectation of good things to come, despite our not knowing what the future will bring. Pope Francis

So many signs suggest that to nurture hope in our day and age is a fraught exercise. In face of this we have our Holy Father proclaiming this 2025 Jubilee year and that Christians worldwide might show the way and be Pilgrims of Hope. He has reflected on hope as being unperishable, unfading, that it will sustain us in the journey of our lives, even during the darkest and most difficult moments.  

How might we cultivate this life enhancing hope? I can hear the words of Louis Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World with a refrain familiar and encouraging. Yes, there is much in creation, our families and community lives that would reassure and inspire us to have a truly hopeful outlook.

Our preparation for Easter has possibly been a setting for us to let the Spirit of God rediscover signs of hope. Lent and Easter open us up for a deeper freedom in life. Perhaps we start to recognise ways that hope is present, even flourishing in the world – people, places, communities cooperating with each other for the common good and wellbeing of society.

At times it might take a super-human effort to summon the courage to hope despite all to the contrary. St Ignatius of Loyola gives a timely reminder of the ways God works individually in our lives. When advising how spiritual direction might be given, it is a first principle to realise that God deals with us in unique ways. The possible immediate action of God on us as individuals, is to be honoured in Ignatian spirituality.

In approaching Easter this Jubilee year, we may pray with intention and confidence that as we seek to increase our well of hope, we walk in company with the Resurrected Jesus.                   

Michael Ryan SJ, on behalf of all at JISA, a Happy and Holy Easter

Called to be Pilgrims of Hope during the Jubilee Year 2025

At a time of global unrest, Pope Francis injects a Jubilee Year of Hope, with an invitation in 2025, to become Pilgrims of Hope. Building on the vision of Church from the Second Vatican Council, as the pilgrim people of God, we are called to share, to hold hope.

Yet what does it mean to be a pilgrim of hope, 60 years after Vatican II, at a moment in human history which Pope Francis has described as a change in epochs? 

Getting lost and then found

I like the story of St Ignatius, I thought he was just another warrior monk, but then he put his sword down – such humility.

Brian shares his reflections on his role as chef and creator of delicious meals delighting retreatants and visitors to Peter Canisius House in Pymble, Sydney.

See the new website for Peter Canisius House here.

Jesuit Refugee Service – Autumn Appeal 2025

JRS Australia’s mission to Accompany, Serve and Advocate alongside people seeking asylum and forcibly displaced people in Australia is grounded in a vision of dignity, humanity, and justice for all.

As we reflect on the profound call to “journey together in hope” delivered by Pope Francis during this Jubilee Year, we are reminded every day that hope is not merely a passive feeling, but a powerful call to action.

Demand only increases for JRS’ essential services, their teams are stretched beyond capacity, and they work with limited resources and minimal funding across the refugee sector.

If you are able to give this Lenten period, please consider putting your hope into action, and making a donation to support refugees and people seeking asylum. Thank you.

Support those affected by the earthquake in Myanmar

On 28 March, Myanmar was struck by a devastating earthquake, which has claimed the lives of over 3,600 people, with thousands more injured or missing.

This disaster is exacerbated by ongoing political violence, recent floods, and economic collapse, but our Jesuit partners are urgently providing emergency relief, including food, shelter, medical care, and psychosocial support, to help rebuild lives. 

Please donate today to support our Myanmar Earthquake Response and ensure we can deliver vital aid without delay.