Celebrating Lent – Pilgrims of Hope

This Lent and Holy Week, we will reflect on how to respond to Pope Francis’ Jubilee Year of Hope. In his Bull of Indiction, Pope Francis writes: “‘Hope does not disappoint’ (Rom 5:5). In the spirit of hope, the Apostle Paul addressed these words of encouragement to the Christian community of Rome. Hope is also the central message of the coming Jubilee, which, in keeping with an ancient tradition, the Pope proclaims every twenty-five years… Everyone knows what it is to hope. In the heart of each person, hope dwells as the desire and expectation of good things to come, despite our not knowing what the future may bring… For all of us, may the Jubilee be an opportunity to be renewed in hope. God’s word helps us find reasons for that hope.” Guided by this message, we will engage with various daily themes and resources to deepen our reflection: Migrant Mondays – Honoring immigrants and migrants; Truth Tuesdays – Celebrating diversity and inclusion; Worker Wednesdays – Advocating for workers and their rights; Terrain Thursdays – Caring for creation; Family Fridays – Supporting families and grandparents; Shelter Saturdays – Serving the poor and vulnerable; Solidarity Sundays – Embracing the human family. Each day, we will invite you to engage with a suggested intention, action, or learning opportunity. As we journey through this Lenten season, may we make intentional choices to embrace the Jubilee Year with hearts renewed in hope.

Click here to download and print the full reflection sheet with action steps or get daily inspiration on our Instagram page.

Join us this Lent by downloading a copy of our Lenten action calendar and following along.  

Visit our website for more Lenten prayers.

Catholic Sisters Week - #LikeaCatholicSister

March 8-14th is Catholic Sisters Week and this year we will be using the theme: Stories of Hope in collaboration with several other religious congregations nationwide.

As we kick off Catholic Sisters Week, we are excited to launch the #LikeaCatholicSister campaign, a national initiative that highlights the incredible work of Catholic Sisters across the country. The campaign is more than just a celebration; it is a movement to challenge outdated stereotypes and shift perceptions of religious life by showcasing the diverse, dynamic, and impactful ways sisters serve today.

For generations, Catholic Sisters have been breaking barriers, advocating for justice, leading in education and healthcare, and fostering spiritual growth. Their presence in communities—both past and present—has been a source of strength, hope, and transformation. Through storytelling, social media engagement, and historical connections, the #LikeaCatholicSister campaign brings these powerful stories to light, showing how sisters continue to be forces of change in a world that deeply needs their compassion and leadership.

During Catholic Sisters Week we will highlight several of the 2025 jubilarians on our social media with a story of the impact they have made in the ministries they have served. Tune into our congregational Facebook or Instagram page to follow along. 

In addition, the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia invite you to an engaging evening of storytelling in celebration of Catholic Sisters Week 2025 (#LikeACatholicSister). Join sisters, companions, coworkers, and friends for “Stories of Hope” on Monday, March 10, 2025, from 7-8 P.M. Eastern / 4-5 P.M. Pacific. Begin the evening by watching our newest YouTube video, highlighting our past, present, and future as Pilgrims of Hope. Then, enjoy sharing and hearing some of the inspiring stories behind the photos!

Attend in person in the Copper Beech Room at OLA Convent or join us virtually via Zoom.

To register, scan the QR code or email Sr. Diane Tomkinson at dtomkinson@osfphila.org, indicating whether you will attend in person or via Zoom. Please share this invitation with others who might be interested—we look forward to seeing you!