Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

Pilgrims from across the Diocese of Orlando have been participating in organized visits to key churches as part of the Jubilee Year of Hope, a special year marked by Catholic communities worldwide. More than 100 parishioners from St. Paul Parish in Leesburg recently traveled to St. James Cathedral, one of three official pilgrimage sites within the diocese.

Darian Hernandez, one of the pilgrims, said he attended because his mother encouraged him and mentioned the possibility of receiving an indulgence. "Mostly in my mom, she’s always pushing me to go to places like this. I see God in her and that helps me see Him," Hernandez said after experiencing the cathedral.

His mother, Kellin Alvarez, also reflected on her motivations for joining the pilgrimage. “I came on pilgrimage to learn more and carry the message of Christ’s love for us to others, to tell them Jesus Christ gave His life for us and we must be thankful every day for all He gives us,” she said. “From this I take away much peace, tranquility and joy and the great desire to share His message with others.”

José Antonio, a younger family member who joined them, was struck by both the art and spiritual experience at the cathedral. “I take home many good things in my heart — most importantly peace and more wisdom. I am thankful to God for the Mass and the opportunity to pray for my family and all my loved ones,” he said.

Tomás Evans, campus director of evangelization and discipleship at St. Paul Parish, coordinated transportation for two busloads from his church community. He noted that their day included talks in both English and Spanish about renewal and what it means to be a pilgrim of hope. “I am very happy because this is part of my life to become a disciple of Christ,” Evans said. “What it means to me in the real world, in a practical way, is bringing people to Jesus Christ.”

Cathedral volunteers Dan Wallace and Laura Rolón led tours during these visits. According to organizers, nearly 700 people from over twelve parishes have participated so far.

Members of St. Vincent de Paul Society from St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in St. Cloud also made a pilgrimage this summer under Father Blake Britton's guidance; their journey included Mass at Daytona Beach’s Basilica of St. Paul—one of two other designated sites along with Orlando’s Basilica of Mary, Queen of the Universe.

Father Britton spoke about how such events help reconnect participants with Christian hope: “This Jubilee Year of Hope we’re invited by Mother Church to restore and contemplate the source of our hope as Christians, and above all else, our identity as God’s daughters and sons... This...is always what leads us forward in hope.”

Judy Reiber described how participation deepened her understanding: “The two main goals of the society are for its members to grow in holiness and serve others,” she said. She appreciated Father Britton’s remarks on sharing faith through hope: “It’s been very uplifting and fulfilling.”

Her husband Tom added: “This is a broken world, and I needed a shot of hope.”

Another participant, Marisol Pereira shared that she feels closer now both spiritually and personally: “I walk to Jesus in good times, and I run to Jesus looking for hope... Coming to this has been a blessing.”

The Vatican’s website explains that this year’s Jubilee logo shows four figures representing humanity united around faith—the cross held by one figure symbolizes enduring hope amid life’s challenges.

The Diocese of Orlando was established in 1968 serving nine central Florida counties including Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia Counties; it includes 79 parishes as well as two basilicas under Bishop James Noonan's leadership.

The Jubilee Year will close January 6th next year.