Fr. Rosario Oliveira

CHILDREN: PILGRIMS OF HOPE

     In God’s plan, Children offer Hope at birth: Rabindranath Tagore’squote, “Every child comes with the message that God still loves the world,” is a powerful expression of hope to the despaired humanity. It is not only in the birth of a child that God gives hope, but birth of The Promised Child that truly brings hope to the fallen humanity. The prophesy in Isaiah 9: 6-7 describes that a child who will be born and will bring peace and justice, is a promise which points to Jesus, The Child, as the ultimate source of hope to humanity. Later, Jesus, although grown up, will equate receiving a child in His name, to receiving Him (Mk. 9: 37). The hope of those who dream/desire “to be greatest in the kingdom” will be realized only when they become like children;humble, innocent, trusting and receptive (Mt. 18: 1-3). Jesus points to children as the model for the type of faith required to enter the kingdom of Heaven. So, in the Bible, children are seen as sign of hope as they represent continuity, renewal, and model for faithful trust.     Parents and elders have a responsibility to shape children into Pilgrims of Hope: Hope is God’s gift. Although, “All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children” (Is. 54: 13), those who have the responsibility of a child are duty-bound, by divine precept, to prepare the child to receive that gift. They are to teach the children who God is, what He has done in their lives, how He has saved them from slavery and instruct them in the precepts and ways of the Lord as well as make known the marvellous works of the Lord (see Deut. 4: 9-11). They are to “Teach them to your children. Repeat them when you are at home and when you are away, when you are resting and when you are working” (Deut. 6:7). God warns us not to lead the children to sin and despair. Jesus says, “It would be better for him if a large millstone were tied round his neck and he were thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin” (Lk. 17:2). We are exhorted, “See that you do not despise one of these little ones…” (Mt. 18: 10). “Do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). The children will become pilgrims of hope only if they walk in the truth of God as St. John says, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” (3Jn. 1-4).     Pope urges the children to be Pilgrims of Hope: In July 2025, addressing the young people (pilgrims) present in Rome, Pope Leo XIV reminded them that God has a plan for each of their lives. “God has created each one of you with a purpose and mission”, he said. He encouraged them to use the pilgrimage as an opportunity for prayer and discernment, urging them to “hear more clearly God’s voice calling you deep within your hearts” and thus become signs of hope.     St. Catherine of Alexandria, a shining example for the children to become Pilgrims of Hope: St. Catherine was born in a materially wealthy family and affluent settings. But the society in which she grew was living in the dark. The worldliness, sinful pleasures, self-gratification and total disrespect to Divine values directed their choices. In such a situation, as a young girl – brilliant, beautiful, gracious, Spirit-filled and God fearing - she became a beacon of Hope to the people of her time. She showed the way to a joyful life amidst trial and tribulations. Strengthened by faith, she followed the Saviour of the World and God of Truth. All the children must read the life of St. Catherine of Alexandria and emulate her lifestyle in order to be true Pilgrims of Hope.     Sem. Lourdes Simoes accompanied our children in their pilgrimage: Since June 2025, Sem. Lourdes has been walking with our children on their journey. His human and spiritual qualities attracted our children to walk joyfully and grow gracefully. His smile attracted them to meetings and other formative sessions; his conviction in spiritual matters helped them deepen their understanding of God and Church; his patient listening and generous forgiveness (of their mischievousness) helped to accept them as they are and be grateful to God. His joyful life encouraged them to continue their journey and become ambassadors of Hope. The whole parish is deeply grateful to Sem. Lourdes. As he continues his journey, may St. Catherine of Alexandria make him a true pilgrim of hope to other pilgrims. As we celebrate jubilee of children, we exhort our children to be true Pilgrims of Hope in your families, schools, somudai, church, and everywhere you go. May Mother Mary and St. Catherine of Alexandria pray and help us.