Columbans launch Schools Competition: 'Jubilee: Pilgrims of Hope'

Columban Missionaries in Britain and Ireland have launched their 2024/2025 Schools Media Competition, which has the title: 'Jubilee: Pilgrims of Hope'.

Encouraging creativity and faith engagement with issues in the world today, this year's competition welcomes both written and image entries until 7 February 2025, with winners being announced on 10 March 2025.

Two separate competitions will be judged, one for students in Ireland and one for students in Britain. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winning entrants and the first prize is an impressive £300 or 300euros! The competition is targeted at students aged between 13-18 years old.

High-profile judges from the world of journalism have been secured and winning entries will be published in the Columbans' Far East magazine, Vocation for Justice newsletter, Columban websites in Ireland and Britain, Columban social media and in other Catholic media. The Columbans are delighted that, in Britain, Ruth Gledhill of The Tablet, Jo Siedlecka of Independent Catholic News, and Andrea Speranza of CAFOD Campaigns are judges. Joining them will be James Trewby and Fr Ed O'Connell of the Columban Justice and Peace Ecology Team in Britain. Also, a group of people with lived experiences of Migration from Hope Garden in Birmingham.

Pope Francis has decreed that 2025 will be a year of Jubilee. The theme he has chosen is 'Pilgrims of Hope' and he urges us to look for signs of hope in the world around us and work for peace and justice. Young people are invited to highlight one community or group bringing hope in the world today. This might be one they are part of or one that inspires them. The community/group chosen should act in some way for the common good, responding to the Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the poor (Laudato Si' #49).

"May the Jubilee be an opportunity to be renewed in hope." - Pope Francis

In his role as Columban Justice and Peace Education Worker in Britain, James Trewby visits young people in schools and sixth forms and runs workshops, retreats and assemblies to promote justice, peace and the integrity of creation. He explains:

"I'm delighted that the Columban Schools Media Competition this year focuses on the theme of Jubilee, linking into the Jubilee Year in 2025 declared by Pope Francis. The Columbans are keen to nurture the student voice and provide an opportunity for young people to explore positive initiatives on the theme."

A core aspect of Columban mission is justice, peace and ecology. The biblical Jubilee Year occurred every 50 years and involved the cancelling of debts, a period of rest for people and the Earth, and land being restored to landless communities. Poor and vulnerable communities were given the opportunity for a fresh start on a more equal footing, and that need is there in today's world.

Internationally, Columban Missionaries support inspirational communities assisting migrants and asylum seekers, caring for the environment, and calling for Jubilee debt cancellation. In Britain and Ireland, Columban property has been given over to foster rewilding.

Students will find the Columban Competition website an essential resource. It includes information on the theme of Jubilee and Pilgrimage plus examples of Columban projects and inspirational communities. There are also details on submission of entries and a helpful FAQ page. The website provides material suitable for students, teachers and parents.

This is the eighth annual Columban Schools Media Competition. Past themes have focused on Migrants, Climate Change, Throwaway Culture, Racism, 21st Century Changemakers, Peacemaking and Biodiversity.

For more information see: www.columbancompetition.com/