Preparing Our Family for Jubilee 2033: One Mother’s Journey of Faith and Hope

By Annie Batumbacal

When I first heard that the Church was already looking toward the Jubilee 2033—the 2,000th anniversary of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ—I felt both excited and intimidated.

Excited, because this is not just another Church event. It is a once-in-a-lifetime moment for our family to reflect deeply on what Jesus has done for us. Intimidated, because I am not a theologian. I am simply a mother of three energetic children—ages 4, 7, and 10—trying to raise them in faith while balancing work, household responsibilities, and parish commitments.

As a catechist in our parish and an elementary school teacher, I know how important faith formation is. But honestly, many Church materials can feel too complex, too formal, or simply difficult to adapt for children. I often ask myself: How do I explain something as profound as the Jubilee to a four-year-old? How do I help my children prepare spiritually in a way that is joyful, meaningful, and not overwhelming?

That is why discovering your website became such a blessing for our family.

Making the Jubilee Real for Children

When Pope Leo XIV spoke about preparing the Church for Jubilee 2033 as a journey toward the mystery of our Redemption, I knew this was something I wanted our family to live—not just hear about.

Through your website, I found simple resources that transformed that desire into action.

Instead of abstract theological explanations, we found:

• child-friendly stories about Jesus’ Passion, Resurrection, and mercy;

• family prayer guides we could actually use after dinner;

• reflections written in a language ordinary Catholics understand;

• stories from Catholic families around the world that made us feel part of something much bigger.

For my children, Jubilee is no longer a difficult church word.

Now my seven-year-old says:“Mama, Jubilee is when we say thank you to Jesus because He saved us.”

That explanation may not be academically perfect—but it comes from a child’s heart. And I think that is beautiful.

Small Practices, Big Changes

Preparing for Jubilee 2033 has changed our family in small but important ways.

Every Friday evening, we now have a short family prayer time reflecting on Jesus’ love and sacrifice.

My ten-year-old reads short Gospel passages aloud.

My youngest likes to place a small cross in our prayer corner and lead us in simple spontaneous prayers.

Even my husband, who is usually quiet about religious activities, has become more engaged.

The website gave us practical ideas that fit our real life—not idealized family schedules that only seem possible in books.

That made all the difference.

Feeling Part of the Universal Church

One thing I deeply love is seeing testimonies and stories from Catholics in different countries.

As someone who has never traveled abroad, I used to think global Church events belonged mostly to pilgrims who could afford to go to Rome or Jerusalem.

But now I understand something different:

The Jubilee begins in the heart.

Through your digital programs, my children are discovering that the Church is much bigger than our neighborhood parish.

They ask questions about Catholic families in Africa, Europe, and Asia.

They realize that millions of Christians will be walking this same journey toward 2033.

That gives them a beautiful sense of belonging.

Faith That Is Simple but Deep

As a mother, what I appreciate most is that your content does not make me feel inadequate.

It invites, rather than intimidates.

It explains profound truths with simplicity and beauty.

It reminds me that raising children in faith does not require expertise—it requires consistency, prayer, and openness to grace.

Jubilee 2033 still feels far away, but I now see it not as a distant event, but as a family pilgrimage already underway.

And perhaps that is the real gift.

Not simply preparing for one celebration in the future—but allowing Jesus to prepare our hearts today.

Our Family’s Prayer for Jubilee 2033

Lord Jesus, Redeemer of the world,

as we journey toward Jubilee 2033,

help our family grow in faith, hope, and love.

Teach our children to know You,

to trust You, and to follow You with joyful hearts.

Make our home a place of prayer,

forgiveness, and peace.

May this journey toward Your Jubilee

bring us closer to Your Cross,

Your Resurrection,

and to one another.

Amen.