Catholics on the Isle of Wight have come together to mark the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year by walking in pilgrimage to Quarr Abbey, sharing prayers and reflections on the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.
The Jubilee Year, designated every 25 years, invites Catholics around the world to renew their faith and find hope amidst challenges such as war, economic hardship and the climate crisis.
Locally, a group of Isle of Wight Catholics set off on Saturday (12th July) from Newport and Ryde, walking to Quarr Abbey. Along the way they prayed for those in need and reflected on the gospel message. The Ryde pilgrims began at St. Mary’s Church, where Fr. Steven Restori led prayers before the walk. The Newport group, who had the slightly longer route, were led by Fr. Jonathan Redvers Harris and Fr. Nishan.
Both groups arrived at Quarr Abbey around the same time and joined the monks for the afternoon Office of None. Afterwards, they heard from Fr. Nicholas, a monk of Quarr, who spoke on the theme of hope.
Fr. Nicholas, Monk, has said:
“Whilst there is despair and misfortune all around us, we should always put our hope in God.
“Young people today are turning to God as a source of solace and encouragement in their lives, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19.”
Further initiatives inspired by the theme of ‘Hope’ are expected to be organised by Christians across the Isle of Wight later this year.
