LETTER FROM FATHER PETER

A Journey of Hope

Dear Friends,

Every 25 years, the Catholic Church celebrates a Jubilee, or Holy Year—a special time for the faithful to receive the gift of grace, experience mercy and form closer relationships with God, with one another, and with all of creation.

For 2025, the theme of the jubilee is “Pilgrims of Hope.” Pope Leo XIV has spoken on this theme several times in the first months of his papacy, calling the Jubilee “a time of concrete hope, in which our hearts can find forgiveness and mercy, so that everything can begin anew.” I see many parallels between that message and the change-making roles that Villanovans are called to on our campus, in the community and around the world.

Pilgrimages are not solo endeavors. They happen when individuals come together, in community, to strive toward a common destination or purpose. It is profoundly moving to think of all of us as pilgrims, in pursuit of hope.

At Villanova, we have achieved so much. Our comprehensive capital campaign, Espiritus Nova, has already broken records in the year since it launched. Our new Cabrini Campus is taking shape, adding to our rich offerings for academic, residential and community life. And most important, all Villanovans—students, faculty, staff and alumni—continue to astound with their many academic accomplishments as innovators, educators, scholars and role models.

And yet, there is more to be done. We seek constantly to ignite change because we know that staying in one place, resting on our laurels, does not benefit the common good. We take action to become more united, more committed to our Augustinian Catholic values and more dedicated to the flourishing of our entire community.

As we conclude this Jubilee Year of hope, let us continue to move ahead—together.

Sincerely,