Archbishop Charles Scicluna and Bishop Joseph Galea Curmi spoke about hope as the main theme of the Jubilee Year 2025 in the Pastoral Letter for Lent which is being read out this weekend in all churches around Malta.

The central message is "Rejoice in hope," inspired by the experience of the Apostle Paul, who, during his journey to Rome, was shipwrecked and arrived in Malta, where the Maltese people welcomed him with great humanity.

The Bishops explained how Saint Paul is an example of a person who lives by hope, as when he found himself in a storm at sea, he spread courage among his companions and reminded them that God was with them.

St Paul was described as the messenger of hope, a hope which is anchored on his faith in God.

They said that Paul's hope was based on faith in God, who always keeps his word. They said that these words invite the people to reflect on their own hope.

"What will we do, with our lives, our culture, our country? The Lord is not an enemy of our freedom, true progress, or dignity. If we place our hope in Him, He is the greatest guarantee of all these things," the Bishops said

In their letter, the bishops said that faith is the foundation, and love is the concrete way to live it.

"Hope gives you direction. It is the anchor and compass of our lives," the letter said. "The hope found in Christ is the greatest assurance," it said.

It said that Paul taught that Jesus is "our true hope" and that Christian life must be built upon this hope. It continued that Pope Benedict XVI described hope as our salvation because it is like an anchor that keeps us steady in difficult times.

The message said that this hope is needed as we have not yet reached our destination in the journey as pilgrims. The letter said that Pope Francis chose "Pilgrims of Hope" as this year's motto.

"Throughout the journey of life, it is hope that gives us direction. We must ask ourselves: Where are we headed? Where are our choices as individuals and as a society leading us? What is our true hope?" the letter said.

The bishops' message also reminded the public that Christian hope is not only for this earthly life but also looks toward eternal life.

"Too often, we focus solely on happiness here and forget that we are awaiting "the blessed hope and the appearance of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ," the message read.

The Bishops said that this year should be an opportunity to seek Jesus as the guide for peoples' lives, to remain steadfast in suffering, and to continue praying that God strengthens people in every good deed and word.