RAMÓN: Hope does not disappoint

Pope Francis reaches out to comfort an inmate as she sheds tears after the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper on March 28, 2024, at the Rebibbia women's prison on the outskirts of Rome. Part of the Jubilee Year of Hope included special outreach to prisons. CNS photo/Vatican Media)There are many memories that stand out to me from my first experience in Rome this past December: walking up to St. Peter’s Square for the first time, driving past historic monuments and visiting some of my favorite saint friends. However, the biggest takeaway from this pilgrimage opportunity for me was the message of hope that was relayed at the Jubilee of Prisoners event on Dec. 14, 2025, and how this message has affected the ministry I provide through Special Youth Services. 

When Pope Francis first opened the Jubilee Year of Hope, he made history by installing a fifth Holy Door at Rebibbia Prison just outside of Rome, in addition to the traditional four at each of the papal basilicas. The installation of a holy door at this location was extremely deliberate, as Pope Francis sought to literally open a door to God’s transcendent mercy in places where hope seems far away, like prisons. 

The Jubilee of Prisoners event was scheduled for the third Sunday of Advent, otherwise known as Gaudete Sunday. This Sunday of Advent historically represents joy in a season of waiting, and we see this symbolism through the rose vestments that are worn and the lighting of the pink candle on the Advent wreath. This timing might have seemed odd to the casual onlooker, but the significance quickly caught up to me.

In the days leading up to my trip to Rome for this Jubilee of Prisoners event, I visited some of the youth in a local Harris County juvenile detention center. I shared with them that I would be going to Rome to make a pilgrimage on their behalf, bringing their prayers with me to many holy sites and joining the universal Church in praying intentionally for them. Having the prayer intentions of these young people to take with me gave me a whole new purpose for this pilgrimage, and I carried their faces and prayers with me as I passed through each of the Holy Doors at the papal basilicas.

When it came time for the Jubilee of Prisoners event, I was delighted to find that our tickets gained entrance to the inside of St. Peter’s Basilica for Mass on that Gaudete Sunday morning. Seeing people from all walks of life — including prisoners visiting the Basilica for this Jubilee event — light up when witnessing Pope Leo XIV process in at the beginning of Mass was a joy. Hearing the words that he shared, exhorting all people to “promote in every place… particularly in prisons… a society established on new criteria and ultimately on charity” and to “Let no one be lost! Let all be saved!” was also an emotional experience. 

As I pictured all the young people I have encountered during my time with Special Youth Services at Mass and brought their intentions to mind in my prayer, I could truly feel the joy of this Gaudete Sunday and hope for a brighter future: a future in which all would be reconciled to God and truly saved.

Mónica Ramón is an associate director of Special Youth Services.