Letter from Fr. Dempsey

ustpresident | February 25, 2025

Embracing the Jubilee Year, We Become Pilgrims of Hope

The notion of the Jubilee Year holds profound spiritual significance in the Catholic Church, inviting believers to engage in faith, mercy, and community renewal to restore our relationship with God and one another. Rooted in biblical traditions, as mentioned in Leviticus, it serves as a divine blueprint for reclaiming dignity among God’s people, emphasizing reflection, repentance, and celebration within the Church.

The University of St. Thomas embraces this significant spiritual opportunity with enthusiasm. Themed Spes non Confundit (“Hope does not disappoint” Rom 5:5), the 2025 Jubilee Year proclaimed by Pope Francis in the Bull of Indiction invites reflection, reconciliation, and revitalization within our faith community. UST is uniquely positioned to play a pivotal role in this journey, fostering a spirit of hope, unity, and spiritual growth among its students, faculty, and the wider community.

Our commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere aligns perfectly with the Jubilee’s focus on renewal and reconciliation. As we embark on this year-long journey, we invite all members of the UST community to deepen their relationship with Christ and celebrate the transformative power of hope through pilgrimages, sacramental experiences, and communal prayer. UST’s Campus Ministry will enrich the Jubilee experience with liturgical celebrations, retreats, prayer services, and service opportunities, fostering both spiritual growth and collective action. This aligns with our mission to nurture a community bound by faith and service.

As we look toward the future, UST is currently undertaking a new student housing project that reflects our dedication to enhancing student life and fostering a robust campus community. This initiative will offer modern accommodations designed to promote student engagement, spiritual nourishment, and a sense of belonging. Such a vibrant living environment undoubtedly complements the themes of the Jubilee Year, as it encourages students to form meaningful relationships, share their journeys of faith, and collaborate on service projects that reflect the essence of living as “Pilgrims of Hope.”

The spirituality of the Jubilee Year resonates deeply with UST’s mission to cultivate intellectually prepared, spiritually grounded leaders who embody hope, compassion, and service. This journey reaffirms our mission to support students’ integral development as moral leaders in an increasingly diverse world.

I am grateful to God for giving me this opportunity to serve my community, and to you, for being an integral part of UST. May this Jubilee Year inspire all of us to grow closer to our faith, embrace the spirit of service, and share the message of hope with those around us.

With blessings,