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Horizons of Hope: An Educative Pilgrimage with the Young

Editors: M.J. Jesu Pudumai Doss, Sahayadas Fernando & Joseph Jeyaraj Swaminathan

19 June 2025

Horizons of Hope: An Educative Pilgrimage with the Young

          Education is a shared journey toward the Truth, where we walk together, sowing seeds of hope along the way – even when the path feels arduous and uncertain. A careful reading of today’s reality often evokes feelings of discouragement and helplessness – at times, even despair – when faced with emerging challenges. This uncertainty, combined with disillusionment, is particularly palpable among the youth. Yet, within the younger generation lies a Hope – a potential to transform this complex landscape into a shared journey where all can grow together, learning from one another and enriching each other’s lives. 

          As the Catechism of the Catholic Church defines, “Hope is the theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit.” (no. 1817). It goes on to expound further:

         The virtue of hope responds to the aspiration to happiness which God has placed in the heart of every man; it takes up the hopes that inspire men’s activities and purifies them so as to order them to the Kingdom of heaven; it keeps man from discouragement; it sustains him during times of abandonment; it opens up his heart in expectation of eternal beatitude. Buoyed up by hope, he is preserved from selfishness and led to the happiness that flows from charity. (no. 1818)

          Admittedly, the theological virtue of Hope has largely remained within the domain of theology. It has been consistently and extensively explored in doctrinal reflections on eschatology, eternal beatitude, and the definitive communion with God. Every genuine believer – regardless of religion or spiritual tradition – nurtures this longing for happiness and fulfilment, and orients their spiritual journey accordingly.

          On the other hand, hope has always been recognised as a fundamental human instinct – an enduring force shared by believers and unbelievers alike. It permeates personal, interpersonal, and socio-political spheres, instilling the inner strength to persevere even in the face of overwhelming adversity and despair. In everyday language, hope manifests as optimism, courage, openness, the willingness to let go, and resilience. At times, it becomes a vital source of energy, enabling individuals to endure and face courageously the complexities and struggles of life.

          By blending the divine and human dimensions of hope, Pope Francis beckoned the Church toward a transformation that reflects God’s design for humanity. Joy and hope (Gaudium et Spes) are the opening words of the final and, perhaps, the most frequently cited document of the Second Vatican Council. In the early years of his pontificate, Pope Francis focused particularly on joy (gaudium); later on, his focus has shifted toward hope (spes). This emphasis resonates powerfully in the Bull of Indiction for the Jubilee Year 2025, which proclaims: “Spes non confundit” (“Hope does not disappoint”).

          On this auspicious occasion, our book Horizons of Hope invites the whole Church to a shared reflection on the theme of Hope, exploring its depth from multiple perspectives. It embarks on an intellectual pilgrimage of hope, centring especially on the education of the young. The choice of focus emerges from Pope Francis’s vision that the young are the “very embodiment of hope” (Spes non confundit, 12). The authors intend to journey alongside young people – listening to their experiences, enlightening their perspectives, and walking with them as fellow pilgrims of hope, thereby expanding the horizons of hope wherein the young can journey with creativity and without delusion. 

          The fourteen articles in this book, which present a multifaceted view of the “Horizons of Hope”, could well be grouped into three broad categories. The first group of 5 articles explores various educational methodologies and processes to nurture hope, with a special focus on the pedagogical, psychological and catechetical approaches. The second group of 3 articles delves into some ecclesial challenges of educating the youth towards hope, especially in the ecclesiological, moral, and legal spheres. The third group, which includes the last 6 articles, discusses themes of special concern in creating horizons of hope, such as inter-religious dialogue, vulnerability, wounded families, women, women religious, and social communication. 

          Pope Francis, whom we remember fondly, highlights the profound significance of hope in young people, recognising them as the embodiment of hope of the Church and the world, as expressed in his Spes non confundit, 12: 

          Signs of hope are also needed by those who are the very embodiment of hope, namely, the young. Sadly, they often see their dreams and aspirations frustrated. We must not disappoint them, for the future depends on their enthusiasm. It is gratifying to see the energy they demonstrate, for example, by rolling up their sleeves and volunteering to help when disasters strike and people are in need. Yet it is sad to see young people who are without hope, who face an uncertain and unpromising future, who lack employment or job security, or realistic prospects after finishing school. Without the hope that their dreams can come true, they will inevitably grow discouraged and listless. Escaping into drugs, risk-taking, and the pursuit of momentary pleasure does greater harm to them in particular, since it closes them to life’s beauty and richness, and can lead to depression and even self-destructive actions. For this reason, the Jubilee should inspire the Church to make greater efforts to reach out to them. With renewed passion, let us demonstrate care and concern for adolescents, students and young couples, the rising generation. Let us draw close to the young, for they are the joy and hope of the Church and of the world!

          We hope that this book serves as an inspiring guide to recognise and acknowledge the challenges involved in instilling hope in the young people of today, while offering specific and practical steps to see and generate the Horizons of hope through an educative pilgrimage with the young. May this book deepen critical reflection and nurture meaningful dialogue, inspiring educators and mentors of young people, social workers and spiritual guides to take concrete actions as they journey together on this educative pilgrimage towards the Horizons of Hope

          We are grateful to His Eminence Most Rev. Dr. Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India, President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences of Asia, for these words of appreciation and encouragement (Foreword): “Each chapter is a signpost, pointing towards the deep interconnection between hope and pedagogy, theology and psychology, catechesis and social engagement. Whether through the sacramental life, interfaith dialogue, feminist theological insights or the critical challenges of artificial intelligence, this work reclaims hope not merely as a sentiment, but as a transformative virtue, one that sustains communities, heals wounds and calls forth action. I commend the editors and the contributors of this outstanding endeavour”! 

 

Technical Details:

Publisher: New Leader Publications 

Year Released: 2025 

Price: INR 299/- 

Contact for Order: Mr. Joshua: 9150267547 / niraivagam@gmail.com