February 3rd was the feast day of St. Blaise. What a beautiful custom of turning to him for the blessing of throats and good health. This comes straight from the saint and his prayer of intercession to save the life of a young boy. On February 9th many will be watching the Super Bowl (or the commercials). This day-long event is purely secular in nature and can bring many people together in a common experience. On February 14th is feast day of St. Valentine. He is a martyr for the faith in the early Church. Yet the secular culture has picked up on him, highlighting love, which is good. Unfortunately, it leaves out the love of God and willingness to sacrifice for another. Such days allow us to reflect on where we put all of our energy or focus?
The Jubilee year 2025 called for by Pope Francis highlights the gift of hope. In Italy there will be aspects of the secular culture but we are to keep it rooted in our faith. Jubilee years are a time of grace and encouragement to participate in the sacraments so as to build up our relationship with God.
Combining all of these ideas together I am encouraging couples who have been married outside of the Church to consider entering that sacrament in the Jubilee year. Pope Francis calls us to be pilgrims of hope. That we are on a journey: in life and in the faith. We are not finished with the journey until we have taken our last breath. So how long it has been or takes is not the point. For those who may need an annulment, stop into the rectory and let’s talk. There is much misinformation out there. The saints remind us that there is healing, that it is possible. They point to how love is the key; of God and our neighbor. A Jubilee year is meant to be filled with grace, opportunities for mercy and a reason to celebrate. I encourage you to do so and the Church can help so you can experience the joy of the Jubilee.