95. The Soul
Welcome to The Soul. This year we began with the Holy Father Pope Francis opening ‘The Holy Door’ or 'Porta Sancta' to symbolise the start of the year of jubilee. As we begin this year let us focus on preparing our own hearts and minds to be open, bringing to the world a renewed vision for Hope and Charity powered by the good news of Jesus Christ. We hope you enjoy diving into the content in this edition of The Soul and that it is useful in empowering your daily walk with Jesus.
Doors of Hope
Fr. Anthony Lemon
Hope, together with faith and charity, makes up the triptych of the “theological virtues” that express the heart of the Christian life (cf. 1 Cor 13:13; 1 Thess 1:3). In their inseparable unity, hope is the virtue that, so to speak, gives inward direction and purpose to the life of believers.
Pope Francis, Spes Non Confundit – Hope Does Not Disappoint
In St. Paul’s letters, we read about faith, hope, and charity, with charity being the most important. In this article, I’ve been asked to focus on hope, but I will try to explain why faith and charity are also essential to...>>keep reading here<<
- Hope In Love by Lauren Bierer, Kallie Deegan, Timothy Hart, Danielle Anne Lynch & Trisha Watts - "Hope in Love" is a timely and inspiring contemporary song that beautifully aligns with the themes of the 2025 Jubilee Year of hope and pilgrimage. Lismore’s own Kallie Deegan, Leader of School Evangelisation from St John’s College Woodlawn, was instrumental in bringing this beautiful piece to life. The composition effectively combines accessible melodic elements with meaningful lyrics that speak to both personal and communal journeys of faith.
- We Have Hope (Maverick City Music feat. Joe L Barnes, Jonathan Traylor & Lizzie Morgan) - As we enter the Jubilee Year of Hope, this powerful ballad proclaims that there is still hope in Jesus, and that no matter what, He will never fail us.
- Fishes & Loaves (Josiah Queen) - Sometimes, we may hesitate to let go of something when God asks us to, but this beautiful song by Josiah Queen reminds us that when we place our hope and trust in the Lord and surrender everything, God will multiply it.
- Good Day (Planetshakers) - No matter what is happening in our lives, we can rejoice because the Lord has made this good day for us.
- Time (Aodhán King feat. Lauren Daigle) - There is hope in our waiting. God makes everything beautiful in God’s time, so we will rejoice, wait and hope for God to turn our sorrows to joy.
- Jericho (Proclaim Lismore Wildfire) - Wildfire brings you a faithful anthem of God’s power to overcome in the darkest of situations. Jericho, based on the biblical event, reminds us that we can hope in the Lord to set us free.
Living the Jubilee Year: Practical Ways to Bring Mercy, Renewal, and Joy into Your Home and Community
The 2025 Jubilee Year is a sacred invitation to deepen our faith, restore relationships, and embrace God’s mercy in everyday life. From prioritising family prayer and acts of kindness to simplifying our lives and strengthening community ties, there are countless ways to live this special year with purpose. Discover how your family can walk through this time of grace and renewal->>Read more here<<
Embracing the Jubilee Year: A Time for Hope and Connection
The Jubilee Year is a special season of renewal, mercy, and deepening our connection with God and one another. Pope Francis has called this a Year of Hope—a chance to strengthen our faith, rebuild relationships, and find joy in the simple moments of life.
One powerful way we can live out this Jubilee spirit in our schools is through Active Constructive Responding (ACR), a concept from psychologist Shelly Gable. ACR teaches us to respond to others in ways that build trust, encourage connection, and amplify joy. When someone shares good news—whether it’s a personal achievement, a moment of grace, or simply a good day—our response can either deepen the relationship or diminish it.
Instead of reacting passively or dismissively, the Jubilee invites us to respond with enthusiasm, curiosity, and presence. Imagine a student excitedly sharing they’ve completed a challenge, and instead of a quick “That’s nice,” we lean in with genuine interest: “That’s amazing! How did you do it? Tell me more!” This kind of response nurtures a culture of encouragement and strengthens our school communities.
As we journey through this Jubilee Year, let’s be intentional in the way we respond to one another—lifting each other up, celebrating each other’s successes, and bringing hope through our words and actions. In doing so, we reflect God’s love and make our schools places of joy, faith, and deep belonging.
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The video is the official "Jubilee Year 2025" song, celebrating the Catholic Church's special year of renewal, mercy, and joy. The song reflects themes of faith, unity, and hope, encouraging believers to embrace the spirit of Jubilee by deepening their relationship with God, reconciling with others, and living out acts of love and service. With uplifting lyrics and a powerful melody, it serves as an anthem for the faithful, reminding us to walk together in grace and renewal during this sacred time.
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