

Jubilee Year 2025
Pilgrims of Hope

The Santiago Retreat Center is launching a Pilgrimage of Hope opportunity for you to come and for spiritual growth, devotion, and engagement with the retreat center's mission help you in your Journey/Camino through life.
Pilgrimage is at the heart of Catholic tradition, modeled by the journey of St. James (Santiago), the patron of pilgrims, and it mirrors our spiritual journey toward heaven.
Jubilee Devotions
January - The Magi: History and Devotion in the Jubilee Year of Hope Who Were the Magi? The Magi, also known as the Three Wise Men or the Three Kings, were learned men from the East who followed the Star of Bethlehem to pay homage to the newborn Christ. Their journey is recounted in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 2:1-12), where they are described as bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh—each carrying profound spiritual significance. Gold symbolizes Christ's kingship, frankincense represents His divinity, and myrrh foreshadows His suffering and death. Tradition holds that their names were Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, and their relics are venerated in the Cathedral of Cologne, Germany. Deepening Devotion to the Magi Pilgrims can deepen their devotion to the Magi through prayer, reflection, and acts of spiritual pilgrimage. Consider the following ways to honor the Magi during the Jubilee Year of Hope: Prayer and Novena: Engage in a novena to the Magi, meditating on their virtues of faith, hope, and charity. Pilgrimage: Make a spiritual journey by visiting a shrine dedicated to the Nativity. Symbolism in Daily Life: Keep a blessed chalk inscription on your doorway, marking the year and invoking their intercession with the traditional formula (20+C+M+B+25). Acts of Generosity: Follow the example of the Magi by offering your own gifts to Christ through charitable works and service to the poor. The Magi and Pilgrims of Hope in the Jubilee Year The Holy Father has declared the upcoming Jubilee as a Year of Hope, inviting all to embark on a spiritual pilgrimage with renewed faith and trust in God's providence. The Magi serve as models for all pilgrims in search of Christ, reminding us that the journey of faith requires perseverance, humility, and an openness to God's signs in our lives. As the Magi followed the star with steadfast hope, so too are we called to follow Christ, the Light of the World, with unwavering faith. The pilgrimage to Santiago Retreat Center offers an opportunity to encounter Christ in prayer, community, and the beauty of creation. By reflecting on the journey of the Magi, pilgrims can renew their own commitment to Christ and become true 'Pilgrims of Hope.' Let us journey together, inspired by the Magi, bringing our gifts of faith, hope, and love to the newborn King, and embracing the call of the Jubilee to be witnesses of hope in our world. "We have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him." (Matthew 2:2)
February The Holy Family: A Model for Pilgrims of Hope The Significance of the Holy Family The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph serves as the perfect model of faith, love, and obedience to God's will. In their humility and trust, they show us how to live our daily lives in alignment with God's plan. The Holy Family embodies the virtues of patience, charity, and perseverance, which are essential for all pilgrims on their journey of faith. Deepening Devotion to the Holy Family During February, pilgrims can foster a deeper connection to the Holy Family through acts of devotion and reflection. Here are some ways to honor them: Consecration: Entrust your family to the care and protection of the Holy Family through a formal act of consecration. Family Prayer: Establish a tradition of praying the Holy Family Prayer together, asking for their guidance and intercession. Scripture Reflection: Meditate on the life of the Holy Family through Gospel readings such as the Presentation in the Temple (Luke 2:22-40) or the Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15). Acts of Unity: Strengthen family bonds by practicing acts of kindness, patience, and understanding, imitating the love and harmony of the Holy Family. The Holy Family and Pilgrims of Hope As we journey through the Jubilee Year of Hope, the Holy Family offers an inspiring example of unwavering faith amidst uncertainty. Their journey from Bethlehem to Egypt and back to Nazareth mirrors our own spiritual pilgrimage, reminding us to trust in God's providence and embrace His plan for our lives. Pilgrims visiting Santiago Retreat Center are encouraged to reflect on the values of the Holy Family and strive to embody their virtues in their own lives. In times of hardship, the Holy Family reminds us that hope is found in trusting God's timing and remaining steadfast in faith. May the Holy Family inspire us to build homes rooted in prayer, love, and trust, becoming true witnesses of hope in the Jubilee Year. "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)