To do our part in spreading God’s Good News, we can say the Prayer of Catechists: “Help me to be a faithful witness to Gospel life so that your Church may become ever more alive. Let the fire of your love so enkindle my heart that I may be an instrument of drawing others to love of you in the Church of your Son.”
By Dr. Veronica Szczygiel
During the month of September, we celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Sept. 14), venerating the suffering Jesus and remembering His ultimate sacrifice. As we embrace the good news of redemptive love and mercy that His death revealed, let us celebrate jubilees during this Holy Year that call us to evangelize and share our faith.
Sept. 7: Mass of Canonization for Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati
The canonizations of Bl. Carlo Acutis and Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati are a fitting way to kick off the jubilees for this month. Though their respective young lives (15 and 24, respectively) were short, each demonstrated an inspiring life lived fully in Christ.
A staunch advocate for social change, Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901-1925; feast day: July 4) was active in anti-fascist organizations and helped the poor in Turin, Italy. Pope St. John Paul II called him “The Man of the Beatitudes” for his work to promote justice. Blessed Frassati is an excellent role model for pilgrims at the Jubilee of Justice.
Blessed Carlo Acutis (1991-2006; feast day: Oct. 12), the “Cyber Saint,” created a comprehensive digital archive of Eucharistic Miracles around the world. Devout from a young age, he became a catechist for his parish when he was only 12 years old. Blessed Acutis will surely inspire pilgrims at the Jubilee of Catechists later in the month.
Sept. 15: Jubilee of Consolation
This Jubilee warmly invites those who are suffering, whether it be from loss, illness, violence, or other causes, to gather together. The Jubilee hopes to provide solace in community, a space for reflection and prayer, and a path towards healing.
Pope Francis explained that we can persevere through difficulties when we have spiritual consolation, which is “an experience of interior joy that lets [us] see God’s presence in all things” (Catechesis on Discernment: Consolation, 2022). Let us pray that this Jubilee presents an opportunity to be consoled by Christ’s love.
Sept. 20: Jubilee of Justice
The Jubilee of Justice serves as a poignant reminder that God wants us all to “have life, and have it abundantly” (Jn 10:10). As Catholics, we should strive to work towards a just society for everyone. Pope Leo XIV underscored this mission in his May 16 speech to diplomats: “No one is exempted from striving to ensure respect for the dignity of every person, especially the most frail and vulnerable, from the unborn to the elderly, from the sick to the unemployed, citizens and immigrants alike.”
Individuals practicing law (judges, lawyers, magistrates, etc.) are especially invited to partake in this Jubilee. But we can all do our part, as we are called to think about the various ways we can make an impact, both globally and in our own communities, parishes, and homes. We can start with this prayer from Catholic Relief Services:
You call us to respond to the immediate needs of our brothers and sisters … Give us your strength to lead the way and persevere in our mission to build a more just world. You call us to make decisions that help all people, not just ourselves.
Sept. 26-28: Jubilee of Catechists
After Jesus rose from the dead, He said to His apostles, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations … teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Mt 28:19-20). This special charge, what Pope St. John Paul II called a “sacred duty” (Catechesi Tradendae, no. 14), asks us to evangelize our Catholic faith truthfully and joyfully.
According to Omnes, there are a little under 3 million Catholic catechists around the world, which, surprisingly, represents less than 1 percent of the Catholic population Jesus remarked that “the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (Mt 9:37). This Jubilee both honors catechists and hopes to inspire those who are discerning to help do their part in faith formation.
To do our part in spreading God’s Good News, we can say the Prayer of Catechists:
Help me to be a faithful witness to Gospel life so that your Church may become ever more alive. Let the fire of your love so enkindle my heart that I may be an instrument of drawing others to love of you in the Church of your Son.
Learn more on our Jubilee Year of Hope page.
{shopmercy-ad}
