Pope Francis has proclaimed 2025 as The Jubilee Year of Hope

“You must pray not only for yourself but also for those whom you are guiding.”

(St. John Baptist de La Salle, Meditation 187.2)

When was the last time you asked someone to pray for you? Better yet, when is the last time you said to someone, “I’ll keep you in my prayers.” The new calendar year, the Jubilee Year, a new academic year, and now the Lunar New Year, all have a way of directing our thoughts, if we let them, to the place and the power of prayer in our lives.

Pope Francis has proclaimed 2025 as The Jubilee Year of Hope. Its theme, "Pilgrims of Hope", places a significant emphasis on the power of prayer. Through prayer, we communicate with God, express our gratitude, seek guidance, and find solace in His presence. In the Jubilee Year, prayer enables us to align ourselves with God's will and embrace His mercy and love. Prayer nourishes our faith, providing the strength and resilience needed to navigate life's challenges and remain steadfast in our beliefs. The theme "Pilgrims of Hope" emphasizes the importance of maintaining hope amidst the uncertainties and difficulties of our world. Prayer cultivates hope within us, reminding us of God's promises and empowering us to persevere in our pursuit of a better future.

The Jubilee Year is also a time for reconciliation, forgiveness, and healing. Prayer enables us to let go of past hurts, forgive others, and seek reconciliation with God and our fellow human beings. In the Jubilee Year, prayer can lead us to a deeper conversion of heart, inspiring us to live more fully in accordance with God's will.

Prayer is the cornerstone of the Jubilee Year of Hope. By embracing prayer in its various forms, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's grace and embark on a pilgrimage of faith, hope, and love. May this Jubilee Year be a time of profound spiritual renewal and growth for all. (For information on Jubilee events in the Archdiocese of Singapore, visit Jubilee 2025)

Our Catholic Christian Community (CCC) Parents Group has just started a new chat group for parents of all religions with the hope that those of all faiths can come together to pray for SJI International. Here are their prayers offered at the rosary prayed after the Wednesday morning Mass for SJI International. They share them with you with the hope that you might find them meaningful and helpful for your personal use.

Let us pray…
1) Lord, we pray for our children. May your Spirit of wisdom guide them in their growing years especially in their friendships and choices they make on a daily basis.

2) We pray that you will protect our children, especially in their walk of faith with you. Protect their hearts as they grow in love and knowledge of you.

3) We pray for all SJI International parents. Lord give us loving and generous hearts. Teach us your ways of peace and patient understanding as we parent our children.

4) We pray for our Principal and Staff members of SJI International. Lord inspire them with love and wisdom as they lead and teach our children.

5) We pray for all members of the SJI International community. Inspire us with your love. May this school be led and strengthened by your Spirit.

Finally, our celebrations of the Lunar New Year are upon us. May the Year of the Snake bring you abundant blessings, good health, and prosperity. As you celebrate the Lunar New Year, may your home be filled with joy, laughter, and the warmth of family and friends.

May the wisdom and resilience of the snake guide you through the year ahead, and may your faith in God provide you with strength and comfort in all your endeavours.

Mindful of the scripture passage, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10), may this year be filled with the fullness of life that God desires for all of us.

Happy New Year, Happy Year of Hope, and Happy Lunar New Year!