You were one of thousands of Catholics who shared their hope this Jubilee Year. Together you made a better world possible by signing petitions, volunteering, making a Jubilee pledge, donating and much more!
Here’s your recap of the incredible year you had.
1. Over 1,000 Catholic schools took a 'Jubilee Pledge'
Pupils and teachers across England and Wales made a pledge committing to be 'Pilgrims of Hope' and live out Catholic School Teaching. This means schools will continue to learn how to speak up with our neighbours fighting injustice and poverty, as well as to radiate faith and compassion in their local communities.
It was incredible to see these Catholic schools also get recognition from the Vatican! A group of pupils and teachers went to Rome to take part in the Vatican’s Jubilee for Education celebration. This included Pope Leo blessing the school Jubilee Pilgrims of Hope banner in Rome, which gave us even more hope.
2. Thousands of supporters started or increased a monthly gift to help their neighbours
You shared your hope with your neighbours all around the world as they overcome poverty and injustice. Thousands of you committed to being good neighbours by setting up or increasing your monthly gift – thank you so much! The donations you give are helping your sisters and brothers not just to survive, but thrive.
Right now, you are working alongside local experts on practical, long-term projects that help communities, like building water tanks so families have safe drinking water in their village.
3. Every diocese in England and Wales hosted the Jubilee icon from Ethiopia
The Jubilee icon was a clear reminder of hope this Jubilee year. Commissioned from Ethiopia by CAFOD for the Catholic Church in England and Wales, this icon has visited an incredible 53 churches!
It was a beautiful way to commemorate the Jubilee Year. Ethiopia was chosen because of the strong tradition of iconography within the country and to demonstrate that it was a global Jubilee - not just something that happens in England and Wales.
4. An incredible 35,000 people in parishes signed a Jubilee debt petition
You shared your hope with countries suffering from unfair debt. You heard about the 54 countries in a debt crisis, and how sadly it affects ordinary families in vulnerable countries the most. Rather than spending money on the public sector - like schools, hospitals and roads - governments are forced to pay back unfair debt at extremely high interest rates.
You heard this need for change and acted with hope: 35,000 people in parishes signed the Jubilee petition calling for action on the debt crisis, helping us take one step closer to a better world.
5. Volunteers continued being a beacon of hope
Volunteers up and down the country truly showed commitment to working together towards a better world. We love to celebrate our incredible volunteers who are vital to the work we do.
Inspiring volunteers like Frances, whose 25 years of dedicated service to CAFOD shine as a living expression of her Catholic faith. Or Sieijish, who took on the Silverstone run for the very first time in solidarity with our neighbours overcoming poverty and injustice.
Across England and Wales, our volunteers continue to go above and beyond, whether through fundraising, campaigning or praying – they are making a real difference!
Together, their witness is a radiant beacon of the Gospel. Our volunteers are truly amazing. Thank you for being the heart of our mission.
Join the Big Lent Walk
Sign up for CAFOD’s Big Lent Walk and challenge yourself to walk 200km in 40 days. You can sign up as an individual, parish or school!