Pilgrims of Hope

Recently, our parish had a Lenten Retreat series based on the Jubilee Year Theme, “Pilgrims of Hope.” One evening, we were invited to reflect on hope with these questions:

Where did you find hope in suffering? 

During this Jubilee Year, what small actions can you take to be a sign of hope for others?

📖 Scripture to Pray With:

“And hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” — Romans 5:5

As I prayed with these questions, I recalled some of the crosses I carried for many years. My dad was killed a day before the fall of Saigon in 1975 when I was nine. Then came our escape from Vietnam in 1980 and the challenge of starting over in America at age 14, with only my older brother beside me.

Back then, I didn’t know how to face my suffering. I escaped through studies, fun, and church activities—but that could only last so long. After college, I felt lost and confused. I couldn’t yet say, “hope does not disappoint us.” But in that darkness, God surprised me.

One day, I learned my family had escaped and made it to Malaysia. After ten years apart, we were reunited. I still remember the tears and joy of hearing their voices again. That moment was pure hope.

Later, in 1991, I returned to Vietnam to see my mom and siblings. I finally got to call someone “mẹ/ mom” and hear “con/ my son.” That healing brought deep peace.

Not long after, I made an Ignatian Retreat—not knowing what to expect. But through confession, I experienced a profound healing. I felt like I was coming home to God and to myself.

There is Easter after all. Now I can truly say:

“And hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” — Romans 5:5

May this Easter hope continue to heal and carry us on our pilgrimage of life.

🌍 Pilgrims of Hope: A Final Reflection

As this series ends, we carry with us more than stories—we carry resurrection.

Let us go forward as Pilgrims of Hope, grounded in the love of Christ, and ready to be living signs of God’s promise to a weary world.

Fr. Manh Tran, SJ