Infertility in the Jubilee Year of Hope

I am somewhat ashamed to admit that when I first learned that the theme of the Jubilee Year was “hope”, I just about physically gagged. My relationship with the idea, the virtue, the gift of hope, after 10+ years of infertility… let’s just say it’s a bit rocky.

For many of us, this is our first or second Jubilee Year, or Holy Year. As a reminder, this is a special year set aside every 25 years in the Church. The year is marked with pilgrimages and special emphases on grace, forgiveness, and acts of charity. A deeper history of the Jubilee Year comes from our Jewish roots, when the Israelites were called to forgive debts, let the land lie fallow, and free indentured servants every seven years.

For this 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, Pope Francis proclaimed: “Hope does not disappoint.” 

How are we, as Catholics, and specifically as those with the cross of infertility, meant to be “pilgrims of hope”? The logo of the Jubilee Year might hold special meaning for us there. There are four figures, with the leader embracing and leading with a cross. The cross is our inescapable hope. The cross also becomes an anchor, which is another symbol of hope; despite the waves of life, of suffering, of the temptations and trials of the world, we are meant to be anchored in the cross of Christ, through which He redeemed us and made possible our salvation.

Reflecting on all of this invites us to reevaluate our understanding of Hope, and in Whom or in what we have hope. Hope is renewed monthly for us who, cycle after cycle, recover and rally to once again try again. We often place our hope in new diets, new supplements, new doctors and directions, and new vocational calls within marriage to foster, adopt, or otherwise spiritually parent. At the end of all things, our hope must ultimately come from and lead to Christ, who will renew all things.

As many are aware, the mascot of Jubilee 2025 is "Luce". In the Jubilee logo, she's the character in yellow, portrayed in anime style. For a bit of fun, my husband ordered us a stuffed doll version of Luce which now greets our visitors at our front door, and a keychain version of Luce which now hangs from my rear view mirror. In her own way, Luce now reminds me of my pilgrim status whenever I'm driving. Even the detail of her muddied boots reminds me that I am called to encounter and walk the talk by being bold about my faith in the midst of the trials of infertility. (That's my little Venerable Emil Kapaun Tiny Saint with her).

So, how can we as infertile Catholics dive deeply into the Jubilee Year of Hope? Some ideas might include:

• Taking a pilgrimage to a holy site, including your local Holy Doors

• Renewing hope in your infertility journey by discerning your next best steps in achieving health and pregnancy

• Renewing hope in your infertility journey by letting the “land lie fallow” and taking an intentional break to deeply encounter Christ

• Learning about and praying about your understanding and relationship with hope

• Committing to acts of charity, such as volunteering with meaningful organizations or being extra gentle and understanding of your spouse.