On being pilgrims of hope in marriage and family ministry

As the Church entered the Jubilee Year 2025, the Archdiocesan Family Life Commission (AFLC) gathered its stakeholders for a Jubilee Prayer and Brunch on Saturday, January 18 at the RC Belmont Pastoral Campus.

The event provided a sacred space for reflection, renewal, and communal discernment, focusing on becoming pilgrims of hope in marriage and family ministry. Sixty persons were present, including married couples, persons who are separated, divorced, widowed and parents.

The day began with the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, setting a reverent tone for the gathering. Fr Matthew Ragbir, spiritual advisor to the AFLC, led a group adoration session, guiding participants in deepening their connection with Christ.

He later celebrated Holy Mass, reinforcing the spiritual foundation of the event. Throughout the day, visiting priest Fr George Williams from the Diocese of St John’s-Basseterre was available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, offering attendees the opportunity for spiritual renewal and grace.

Following a shared breakfast, participants engaged in a spiritual conversation, exploring the question: ‘How do we become pilgrims of hope in marriage and family ministry?’ This dialogue was enriched by meditations on Romans 5:1-11 and 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, which underscored the enduring strength of hope and the transformative power of love.

These scriptural reflections served as a reminder of the mission to journey inwardly in faith, outwardly in service, and upwardly in communion with God.

As part of the Jubilee observance, attendees embarked on a pilgrimage to the Sacred Site Church of the Assumption, Maraval, symbolising their commitment to walking in faith.

Pilgrims prayed, received stamps in their Jubilee passports, took pictures, and shared personal insights on what it means to be a pilgrim of hope in today’s world.

The day concluded with a meeting of Family Life Unit (FLU) representatives, during which discussions included the International Marriage Encounter Convention in June, and the Association of Original Pain Therapists and their upcoming workshop.

AFLC’s Episcopal Delegate, Tricia Syms facilitated a session on the Jubilee theme, being seeds of hope and the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.  One participant shared that, “the inclusion of the Touch of Christ and Bethesda Communities was enlightening”.

As an interactive exercise, attendees randomly selected an act of mercy to guide their spiritual journey throughout the year, reinforcing the call to live out the mission of compassion and service.

The Jubilee Prayer Brunch served as a meaningful and grace-filled beginning to the Holy Year, inspiring all present to embrace their role as pilgrims of hope within their families, ministries, and the wider Church community.

Contact the AFLC at

299-1047, email: familylife@catholictt.org  for more information.