When promoting this online retreat, we mentioned: "In a world plagued by an epidemic of depression and hopelessness like never before, it’s clear that what the world offers is leading us in the wrong direction." But just how serious is this problem?

In recent years, alarming statistics on mental health have continued to rise, particularly in the prevalence of depression and the growing sense of despair. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 264 million people worldwide suffer from depression, and more than 720,000 people die by suicide each year— with depression being a major contributing factor. Even more concerning is that hopelessness creates a vicious cycle—the more one feels lost in despair, the harder it becomes to seek help or make changes, leading to social isolation and deepening hopelessness.

Studies and surveys have also shown a significant increase in depression among adolescents and young adults, which is deeply worrying. In fact, suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds. Young people are the pillars of our future and the wellspring of hope for society. They are a group we must protect and care for at all costs.

You might think: "I don’t want to hear more discouraging news." And it’s true—no one wants to be bombarded with negativity. But ignoring the problem won’t make it disappear. Instead, we must courageously face these realities and actively seek solutions. Just like when we are physically ill, we cannot refuse to accept and face the condition without understanding it, nor should we delay treatment.

We must remember that “faith” and “hope” are deeply intertwined. When people lose hope, their faith often weakens, making it easier to abandon their belief altogether. Therefore, we have reason to believe that the rampant depression and anxiety are the devil’s despicable means of separating us from our Heavenly Father. They are traps that we, as children of our Heavenly Father, must guard against. Overcoming despair and embracing hope is a spiritual battle that we must win.

When using a GPS, we must enter both a starting point and a destination so that the system can successfully lead us to our destination. Likewise, as pilgrims on this earthly journey, we must first recognize where we currently stand and also have clarity about our final destination. Without a clear goal, reaching our intended destination is impossible!

Regarding our life’s ultimate goal, we find great insight in the Catechism of the Catholic Church on the virtue of hope:
"Hope is the theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness." (CCC 1817)

Our hope and ultimate destination—our eternal happiness—is everlasting life in the presence of God. Only by keeping this goal in mind can we cultivate true and unshakable hope, becoming true Pilgrims of Hope in this world.

Reflection

Are you hesitant to face reality, whether due to your internal struggles or external circumstances? Why?

Do you regard eternal life as the ultimate destination of your earthly journey? Do you still have doubts about the promise of eternal life?

Do you have a correct understanding of the virtue of “hope”? Do you believe you possess a strong and living hope? Why or why not?

Today’s Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for inspiring the Holy Father to set "Pilgrims of Hope" as the theme for this Jubilee Year, reminding us of our identity and mission it entails—especially the call to strengthen our hope in You and to care for those who are lost, forgotten, or in despair.

Grant me a compassionate heart, like Yours, that truly sees and understands the suffering and struggles of my brothers and sisters in despair so that I can care for them. Help me to face the growing crisis of hopelessness and to take action in fostering a culture of encouragement and hope in this world.

Holy Spirit, accompany me, strengthen me, and grant me the grace and power to press on toward the goal on this earthly pilgrimage together with my fellow brothers and sisters. Amen.

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The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: Finding Hope in God’s Kingdom” team, including FLL staff and volunteers.
Please kindly pray for them. May God protect them and sustain their physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

Writer: Paul Yeung
Project Manager: Michael Lam, Rosa Tse
Editors: Bonny Chan, Rosa Tse
English Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul Yeung
Mandarin Editor: Anthony X.
Cantonese Narrator: Margaret Woo
English Narrator: J. Johnson
Mandarin Narrator: C. Zhou
Audio Editors: Cyan Cheung, Sander Lee, Margaret Woo
YouTube Editors: Arnold Chan, Cyan Cheung, Sander Lee
Graphics: Francis Lai, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse
Website: Patricia Young, Angela Wong
Podcast: Angela Wong
Social Media: Yollie Leung, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse

Theme Music:

"3 MINUTES RELAXATION MUSIC | 4K Scenic View of Tuscany" by Introvert Pianist https://www.youtube.com/@introvertpianist

“Sea of Memory” by Aakash Gandhi https://www.youtube.com/@88keystoeuphoria