Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

With the approaching Jubilee Year – Pilgrims of Hope, Bishop John Noonan responds to questions posed by Florida Catholic in this second of a two-part interview.

FC: Pope Francis has announced a Jubilee Year beginning Dec. 29, 2024. What connections do you see with the National Eucharistic Congress leading into the Jubilee Year and its theme, Pilgrims of Hope?

Bishop Noonan: “I think it’s a natural progression. It’s the message of the Gospel. Live the Gospel. Love the Lord and He will show you the way, teach you the truth, and give you life. The people who live with that in their hearts don’t have perfect lives, but there’s a lot of meaning in their lives because they haven’t given up hope. Hope can be the glue for everything."

FC: Jubilee Years go back to the Old Testament. Traditionally, during a Jubilee Year, forgiveness and mercy are central. The Eucharist is among many realities, a symbol of redemption, forgiveness, reconciliation, and hope. How do you see the revival playing out in the Jubilee Year?

Bishop Noonan: "It’s hard to translate forgiveness of debt and some of the traditional ways the Jubilee Year was celebrated to the world we live in today, but we can think about what do we need to unload – fear, anger, frustration, vengeance, violence. To what do we want to commit ourselves? Sometimes we’re living with all of this and by osmosis it’s penetrated our lives and become part of who we are. Now it’s time to empty ourselves of it. But then, with what are we going to fill ourselves? It’s an inviting of Christ into your life through the Eucharist bringing hope into your life and following Christ."

FC: How important is this Jubilee Year for people who are fearful of the future – elections, AI, cost of living – and giving up hope?

Bishop Noonan: "I think it’s vital. The more you believe, the more you’re going to be affected by what you believe. If you truly believe in Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist, it’s going to affect your life. I am hopeful it is a grace people can receive.

There is good news in the world. There is hope and there is salvation. There is Christ and there is the Gospel. We have dimensions of our life; many don’t know about their spiritual dimension which brings hope.

We have to understand that politics and other issues are not going to provide salvation or peace. Some people have very deep challenges but deal with them because they have a deep sense of faith and understanding of God through Eucharist fulfillment."

The Real Presence brings us close to reality when focusing on our relationship with God where authenticity lies.

FC: The Papal Bull for the Jubilee Year states that all baptized individuals must ensure signs of hope bear witness to God’s presence in society." How can we be bearers of hope?"

Bishop Noonan: "We need to enlighten people there is hope out there; having a relationship with God changes dynamics.

Take life day by day without letting challenges overwhelm us while surrendering trustfully when necessary—being realistic without fatalism or excessive piety/idealism."

Jesus invites us placing hope upon our heart which opens His heart through ours towards others via simple acts like calling friends or aiding food pantries/praying for troubled individuals showcasing numerous ways being hopeful within society.