In Spes Non Confundit (“Hope Does Not Disappoint”), Pope Francis uses the phrase “signs of hope” multiple times. Inspired by the Jubilee Year’s theme of hope and the Lenten read-along of On Hope, we asked Loyola Press authors and other Ignatian-inspired friends, “What do you see as a sign of hope?” Enjoy their responses.
Young People
“As an educator, I encounter signs of hope each day in the young people I teach and serve: their idealism and fresh perspectives, their boundless energy and searching questions, their openness to others and willingness to engage differences, and their passionate commitment to build a more just and gentle world.”
—Kevin O’Brien, SJ, author of The Ignatian Adventure and Seeing with the Heart
Depth of Care
“A sign of hope for me right now is the immediate rush of support and love that has surrounded me in the wake of a recent difficult health diagnosis for a family member. In the depth of care from people near and far, those who are close to us and those we haven’t spoken to in years, I have felt the Spirit at work, ensuring hope stays near.”
—Catherine Ruffing Drotleff, Director of Advancement and Communications, Ignatian Spirituality Project
Heroes
“In the past God raised up heroes like Moses, Esther, St. Damien, and St. Catherine of Siena to deal with dire situations. Today droves of good people, either publicly or quietly, are first responders, work for nonprofits, serve the vulnerable, and fight for peace and justice. They are signs of hope for me.”
—Mary Kathleen Glavich, SND, author of Cherished by Jesus
Healing
“For millennia, people have turned to prayer and meditation as sources of healing, long before science could explain why they work. Now, research is catching up, showing that these acts of faith have real, measurable benefits for our minds and bodies. It’s hopeful to see the modern world rediscovering—and reaffirming—what the faithful have always known—that grace, intention, and deep reflection can transform us.”
—Gary Jansen, author of The Healing Power of Praying the Rosary
Ordinary People
“There are two signs of hope I see on a daily basis. First, the number of people seeking deeper waters of faith and longing for intimacy with Christ in such a way they seek to imitate him in the world. Second, the courage of watching ordinary people draw near to the suffering of another and offer compassion.”
—Becky Eldredge, author of Busy Lives & Restless Souls and The Inner Chapel
Pilgrims
“Hope is the belief that God is in everything, and I am inspired by people negotiating ‘impossible’ situations with God’s help. As the Pope says, this is a pilgrimage or ‘Camino,’ however, and I meet pilgrims everywhere trusting in the Spirit’s guidance and providence amidst the storms of life. Despite overwhelming negativity, people still choose to walk with Christ in consolation, acting and believing that there is meaning and purpose to our lives.”
—Brendan McManus, SJ, author of The Way to Manresa and Finding God in the Mess
Children
“This Jubilee Year of Hope coincides with the upcoming birth of my second child! At a time of great turmoil, anxiety, and uncertainty in our world, I am so grateful for this blessing. The babies and young children of today (I have a three-year-old, as well!) are our greatest promise, and I can’t wait to see how they will change the world.”
—Deanna Howes Spiro, Vice President of Communications, Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities
Hunger for God
“The religious ‘nones’ have plateaued. Former atheists have expressed a new openness to religion; some have even embraced Christianity. Our hunger for God cannot be stamped out. There are so many signs of hope.”
—Michael Rossmann, SJ, author of The Freedom of Missing Out
Jesus with Us
“Imagine walking around Galilee with Jesus like Peter or James. Imagine saying to Him, ‘There’s a blind man here who needs help,’ and He promptly goes to help. Well, now, Jesus said, ‘Behold, I am with you all days.’ This is the ground of our hope, which will be as vibrant as our belief in Jesus is vibrant.”
—Joseph A. Tetlow, SJ, author of Considering Jesus and You Have Called Me by My Name
Glimmers and Graces
“I look for glimmers of hope every day. Sometimes, it’s the little things: the hummingbird who comes to visit me every morning for over a year on the tree outside my office window (I named her ‘Hope.’), a brief exchange of smiles with a stranger, or a random act of kindness encounter when I’m out in the world. Other times, the signs are deeper, like answered prayer, receiving a text or a call from a friend just when I need some encouragement, or looking over my past journals and savoring the graces God has given me. The one sign that profoundly anchors my hope is a personal encounter with Christ—at Mass, in contemplative prayer, breaking open the Scriptures, or walking shoulder to shoulder with another pilgrim. All these signs of hope are magnificent graces, which renew my hope every day and inspire my praise with the psalmist and Pope Francis, ‘Hold firm, take heart and hope in the Lord!’ (Psalm 27:14)”
—Kim Scott, Chief Operating Officer, Ignatian Ministries
What do you see as a sign of hope?
Participating in our Lenten read-along of On Hope? Introduce yourself in the comments below! And post your thoughts, favorite quotes, or reactions with #lentreadalong and #jubilee2025 on social media.
I decided to read On Hope due to the conversations I have with me adult children. They grew up in a very dysfunctional family due to their fathers narcissistic personality disorder and my anger towards him. They are all working through their early adulthood with their childhood scares without Jesus in their daily lives eventhough we went to mass 2-3 times a week. I divorced after over 30 years of marriage and now am happier than I’ve been for a very long time, thanks be to God! I daily take care of our daughter with severe special needs. This book is remarkable and gives me hope like in Chapter 3…” Despair is defeated because God is among us.”
Leprosy survivors and their differently abled Allies in India’s Anandwan communes are in the midst of their 75 years Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Opting to serve the last, the least, and the lost, they have come a long way. They serve orphans, blind, deaf, mute, and the elderly often abandoned by their relatives. Through the sweat of their brow and disabled limbs, they have toiled to set up schools, colleges, and technical training units for the youth of the region. They grow their own food and share it with those who are ready and willing to join them in the service fellow mortals and Planet. Blessed with fearless minds and confidence in their wrists, they declare “Love is more contagious than leprosy”.
Sandra Yates and Nancy Sanger, I’m so very sorry for the loss of both of your sons. I can’t imagine the heartache and pain that you both suffer from daily.
I’m a Mom of three adult sons.
To lose a child is a Mother’s worst nightmare. You both will be in my prayers. You share in the same grief as the Blessed Mother and my hope is that she gives you strength to heal from this horrible loss of your sons. God bless you both.
I am spending more time this Lent in prayer and meditation. In the world and country as uncertain as it is right now, I am attempting to feel more hopeful and less angry and distressed. Concentrating on hope this Lent. These readings should help.
I lost my oldest son on Holy Saturday 14 years ago at the age of 27. The pain recedes and true hope abounds. I picture him Jesus’ arms and look forward to reunification in the future. My friends and family still remember and help me on difficult days. Yes, they still occur, but less often, and with less intensity. God is with you and I will pray for your peace.
I lost my oldest son on Easter last year. This has been a hard year, but I have seen so many signs of hope in all those who have comforted and supported my family and myself. This hope has sustained me and brought me through.