“We Filipinos are a people of hope and we must communicate it to everyone”

In a pastoral letter he published for the beginning of the Holy Year, Cardinal David, president of the bishops’ conference, cites a survey according to which more than 90% of Filipinos have confidence in the future. “Despite the trials we face, we always cling to the conviction that ‘God will take care of us.’” The challenge of living this hope as a “community of missionary disciples” even in the face of new challenges.

Manila () – The Jubilee of Hope in 2025 will be a unique opportunity “to form a community of missionary disciples”, says Card. Pablo Virgilio David, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and bishop of Kalookan, in a pastoral letter that was published on December 29 on the occasion of the opening of the Holy Year in dioceses around the world.

“As pilgrims of hope, we are charged – explains the cardinal – with forming a community of missionary disciples” and the year that has just begun represents the “best opportunity” to begin formation in a perspective of “synodality in our ecclesial communities of base”, parishes and dioceses”. A journey “in hope”, a path “in love” in the footsteps of Jesus in the synagogue for a “synodal Church on mission”.

Pope Francis has declared 2025 a Jubilee Year with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope”, highlighting the figure of the “pilgrim” who witnesses a different way of traveling. And whose purpose is to “obey”, showing the “true testimony of family life”, not only within the walls of the home, but as “God’s family”, explained the president of the CBCP.

A research company that has carried out opinion polls over the years on hope and optimism in Philippine society, the last of which was published a few days ago, shows that since the beginning of 2000 the trust and hope of citizens has never have fallen below 80%. And since 2010 it has never dropped below 90%; Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, the score remained high, settling at around 93% of the population, and subsequently rose to 96% of respondents, who expressed confidence “in a better life in the coming year” early on. of 2024.

Many factors are said to contribute to maintaining this positive outlook. According to scholars, one of the main reasons for this predisposition of Filipinos is the role played by their strong faith in God, which is summed up in the motto “where there is life, there is hope.” “Despite the trials and tribulations we face, we always cling to the conviction that ‘God has mercy’ or ‘God will take care of us,’” says Card. David, and explains: “For some this may be considered fatalism or simply abandoning oneself to fate. But for many it is an expression of trust in God and putting themselves completely in his hands. “There seems to be a strong hope – continues the cardinal – that remains within the Filipinos and that cannot be destroyed by any calamity or catastrophe that may occur.” “On the other hand we know – he warns – that this is not true for everyone. Many of our compatriots also struggle to find hope. “Many live in conditions of extreme poverty or face inhumane situations and experiences of extreme suffering.”

Despite the high level of hope that characterizes the Filipino population, it is worth highlighting the increase in problems related to mental health, which confirms that there are numerous unresolved problems, starting with climate change and the natural disasters that “devastate” entire communities. “Nature itself – warns the cardinal – seems to be asking for help”, and while it is “easy to give in to the temptation of despair and give up”, the real challenge “is to remain firm in our faith”, adds the Card. David.

“Pope Francis – he observes – has chosen this theme to restore the climate of faith and trust, to kindle within us the fire of hope and to help each one of us find courage and certainty, looking forward with spirit. openness and confidence in the future.” “We are pilgrims of hope. We are called to advance together, in the spirit of synodality.” “The logo of the Jubilee Year represents the people of God in a boat sailing on a turbulent sea, with the cross as an anchor”, concludes the cardinal, and affirms that “we are called to transform our relationships to grow in friendship and communion.”