Now, Saint Leo University will share songs and words of hope through its Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee 2025 Concert, at 7 p.m., Wednesday, October 8, in the Saint Leo Abbey Church. The Abbey Church also is one of the six churches designated as official places of pilgrimage for the jubilee year for the Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg.

“The jubilee [year] we are now celebrating helps us to realize that hope is a constant source of joy,” said Pope Leo XIV.
Saint Leo University’s Department of English, Music, and the Arts and the Catholic Identity Advisory Committees are hosting the event (free, but online donations are welcome) to spread that joy to the community through music as well as to showcase the talents of its students and faculty members.
What is a Jubilee Year?

The practice of observing a jubilee year has ancient roots with Pope Boniface VIII instituting the first Christian Jubilee in 1300. A jubilee year is a “special period of prayer, reflection, and penance in the Catholic Church,” notes the U.S. Conferences of Catholic Bishops, and “for acts of mercy, forgiveness, and charity.”
In declaring 2025 the Jubilee Year of Hope, Pope Francis cited Romans 5:15: “And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

The 2025 jubilee is centered on the theme “Pilgrims of Hope” with participants traveling to Rome or making pilgrimages to local Catholic churches. But the key message is to spread hope and share the love of God. “During the Holy Year, we are called to be tangible signs of hope for those of our brothers and sisters who experience hardships of any kind,” noted the late Pope Francis in his announcement of the jubilee.
Much like the jubilee hymn Pilgrims of Hope which includes, “Like a flame my hope is burning, may my song arise to you: Source of life that has no ending, on life’s path, I trust in you,” the university is planning a concert that will uplift and inspire.

Under the direction of Dr. Cynthia Selph, director of music and music ministry, performances will feature all types of music — from classic hymns to songs by The Beatles and contemporary Christian artists.

Tickets and Donations
Seating in the Saint Leo Abbey Church will be first come, first seated. Those attending will find parking in the campus lots, 33701 County Road 52, St. Leo, FL 33574.

Admission donations of $5 will be accepted online (https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/saint-leo-university/6882cc521d60c81032461525/tickets#/productions-view), and funds will support Saint Leo’s music programs.

Accessibility and Information
For information, contact Dr. Cynthia Selph via email at cynthia.selph@saintleo.edu.
Requests for accommodations can be made by emailing Section504@saintleo.edu. For more information, visit saintleo.edu/accommodations.