Jesus Christ is the reason for hope: The revelation of faith in children and family  

According to Pope Francis in his 2025 Jubilee Bull of Indiction, Spes non Confundit [hope does not disappoint] hope is a core value of Christian life, with its source rooted in Christ’s sacrifice and unconditional love. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross not only reveals God’s infinite mercy and forgiveness towards humanity but also serves as the steadfast foundation of hope for all mankind. Family, as the primary setting for the practice of faith, bears the responsibility of embodying this hope, while children are seen as the symbols and witnesses of hope for the future.

As the primary milieu for passing on the faith, family plays a critical role. Christ’s unconditional love for humanity is conveyed through parents to the next generation, enabling children to draw strength and inspiration from their faith when facing life’s challenges. Pope Francis emphasised in Spes non Confundit that Christian hope is not merely an anticipation of the future but a way of “living in the present.” This signifies that every member of the family should practise Christ’s love and hope in their daily lives.

Children are not only the future of families, but also the future of the Church. Pope Francis highlighted that children embody hope and will bear witness to its realisation. Families should assist children in building trust and hope in Christ through diverse practices of faith, such as family prayers, storytelling of biblical narratives, participation in church activities, and sharing of faith experiences. 

When children experience Christ’s love within their families, they become witnesses of hope for the future and pass on this love and hope to others. Various forms of faith-based living provide opportunities for children to establish a profound and intimate relationship with God while also serving as moments for family members to support and bond with one another. Through hope, children learn to draw strength to face challenges, laying a firmer foundation for their future.

As Pope Francis teaches, “May the power of hope fill every moment and enable us to await with confidence the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.” May every family find hope in Christ’s love and, with steadfast faith, pass this hope on to the next generation, instilling eternal Glory of God into the future of society.

Lenten Campaign Organising Committee, 2025