The Jubilee Year 2025 calls us to be Pilgrims of Hope—and this theme feels so personal to me. My life has been a mix of ups and downs, but through it all, one thing has remained constant: my trust and hope in God’s loving care.
I still remember one of the most painful chapters of my life. I was serving as a superior in Kanpur, India, when things suddenly turned dark. Our support staff turned against us, filing court cases and refusing to work. The neighbours sided with them, and it felt like we were completely cornered. Even though teachers, parents, and some good lawyers stood by us, we were often told it was a lost battle. But we didn’t give up. We prayed, stayed united, and kept surrendering everything into God’s hands. It took years, but eventually, truth won—and peace returned.
As a teacher in India and Nepal, I’ve seen the quiet power of hope. Some students came to me so lost or weak, but I never stopped believing in them. With a little love and patience, I saw them bloom.
Gardening is another quiet joy of mine. Watching a small bud open or a leaf stretch out reminds me of my students. Each child is like a little plant—unique, needing care, time, and space to grow.
Hope, I’ve learned, isn’t just wishful thinking. It’s knowing deep down that God walks beside us, even when things are tough. In both joy and pain, I’ve tried to hold onto that faith.
As we walk through this Jubilee Year, may we all live with trust, carry hope in our hearts, and be signs of God’s gentle presence in the world.
Sr. Clotilda Puthenpurackal CJ (Age: 89), St. Mary’s, Pokhara, Nepal Region
