The term “Jubilee” comes from the Hebrew “yobel,” the ram’s horn that announced a period of forgiveness and rebirth. Established in the 50th century by Pope Boniface VIII to offer the faithful an opportunity for penance and reconciliation that has its roots in the Book of Leviticus in the Old Testament, it is celebrated every XNUMX years and represents a period of liberation and restitution of property. In the Holy Year, agricultural activities were interrupted, debts were forgiven and lands were returned to their rightful owners, in order to re-establish a certain social equity and avoid the accumulation of goods by a few. The Holy Father chose the title “Pilgrims of Hope” to invite us to look to the future with confidence, to commit ourselves to a better world. Hope can therefore become the link between ethical commitment and philanthropy.
Why then can philanthropists be considered “Pilgrims of Hope”?
A "Pilgrim of Hope" is a person who, through acts of generosity and altruism, brings light and positive change to the lives of those most in need. Philanthropy often stems from a spiritual journey, a moment of inner transformation that drives people from diverse backgrounds to embark on the path of giving. A philanthropist is a "pilgrim of hope" when their strong spirituality drives them to fund social, humanitarian, and cultural causes. Philanthropists act in various ways: they fight poverty and malnutrition, contribute by revitalizing local economies to reduce social inequalities, and invest significant sums, among other things, to raise awareness about, for example, ongoing climate change. One entrepreneurial philanthropist active in the climate is Alan M. Parker, who used the profits of DFS Group Ltd., a duty-free retail chain, to establish the OAK Foundation in 1983 , a humanitarian foundation based in Geneva that has invested in various environmental programs. It has worked to reduce carbon emissions, promote renewable energy, and support biodiversity conservation. In India, it collaborates with other local foundations to create a philanthropic network to address climate change.
When does a philanthropic initiative transform a community, fostering resilience and hope for the future?
Established in 2008 by Renata Babini, the Uriele Foundation brings hope and improvement to vulnerable communities, focusing on social projects, poverty alleviation, education, and support for women and children in need, such as establishing a nursery and a maternity hospital in a needy community. The projects have also provided education and training opportunities for women.
What values and principles, emerging from the concept of Jubilee, can guide individuals' philanthropic choices?
We must first address the root causes of social hardship, then build structures and systems that bring equity and access to new opportunities for all. Hope then becomes the driving force behind mobilizing resources and investments for initiatives aimed at improving the socioeconomic conditions of the poorest communities. Generosity, in fact, is the cornerstone of philanthropy, because it leads to donating not only material resources, but also time and attention to those in need. Franca Pizzigalli's story is a prime example. "In 2004, she donated the money she had earmarked for a trip to Africa and her salary to a healthcare project in Burkina Faso, in memory of her grandfather Battista. At the time, five villages with 12,000 inhabitants had only a single Health and Social Promotion Center, with a maternity ward without a recovery room, beds, a pharmacy, and no lighting." This gesture gave rise to the Battista Project , an initiative carried out in collaboration with an African family.
How can the Jubilee theme “Pilgrims of Hope” inspire a renewed commitment to individual philanthropy?
"The idea of being a "pilgrim" presupposes a shared journey towards a common goal. When philanthropy is motivated by strong values, it promotes empathy and commitment towards the most vulnerable individuals, for example by supporting local initiatives, with actions that reflect the values of the Jubilee. It is then up to the patron to promote appropriate initiatives, motivate the relevant stakeholders on the social issues to which he has decided to dedicate himself, and invest in long-term projects that promote sustainable development and the improvement of living conditions for future generations. The values of the Jubilee also invite personal reflection on one's own values and life mission, and stimulate an ever greater philanthropic commitment."
When do you think a philanthropist becomes a role model who inspires others to give?
This happens when his generosity is not just an act of altruism, but the reflection of a person connected to the social challenges of his time. A model of generosity is Ingvar Kamprad, the founder of IKEA. Through the Stichting INGKA Foundation , Kamprad has donated billions of euros to support humanitarian, environmental, and cultural causes around the world. His philanthropy has inspired many others to follow his example and contribute to the common good. In this way, Kamprad has become a multiplier.
Which families of philanthropists are particularly linked to the Church?
Among many others, the Brenninkmeijer family, through foundations such as Porticus and Laudes , which manage over a billion euros for philanthropic purposes, also provides significant donations to organizations close to the Catholic Church. The funds are used to support social initiatives, the development of religious and educational infrastructure, as well as sustainable development projects aimed at improving the living conditions of communities. The family also provides financial and logistical support to Catholic missions around the world.
Then came the Michelin family , where the company's president, François Michelin, led it with strong Catholic convictions, following the teachings of the Social Doctrine of the Church. This family nucleus supported various social initiatives and sustainable development projects, contributing to the well-being of local and international communities.
Lastly, the von Liechtensteins, with among other family members Prince Hans-Adam II and Princess Marie, are the architects of numerous social initiatives and sustainable development projects in line with the values of the Church."
What are the concrete possibilities that the Jubilee offers to philanthropists?
"Philanthropists can become “Pilgrims of Hope” by promoting a philanthropy that, instead of supporting only projects, represents forms of systemic change in a new alliance between philanthropists, public institutions and civil society actors, where patrons can provide risk capital, knowledge and their networks. It is time, however, for the Pope and other spiritual leaders to express themselves precisely on this issue, with a real message for the philanthropic communities of the world."
What are the challenges philanthropists face in aligning their initiatives with the Jubilee’s message of hope and reconciliation?
"First, we need to set clear and measurable goals that reflect principles such as social justice and solidarity, and seek a balance between immediate needs and long-term goals. It is essential to involve local communities in the planning and implementation of initiatives, which requires application, time and the ability to listen to different voices. To ensure the sustainability of initiatives, it is necessary to develop sustainable models even after initial funding, implementing collaboration between different sectors and addressing the difficulties that crises and the resistance of those who are accustomed to a certain status quo entail.
Philanthropist Ursula Kuhn is doing this by promoting sustainable economic development in rural communities in Peru and Bolivia through the Suyana Foundation , offering vocational training, entrepreneurial skills, and creating self-sustaining local economies. These challenges require a holistic approach, a long-term vision, and a strong willingness to collaborate with communities to build, in keeping with the message of the Jubilee, a future of hope and reconciliation.
What is your personal wish for the Jubilee?
"'Vulnerability is where creativity, innovation and change are born.'" This statement by American activist Casandra Brené Brown finds me in agreement, because this Jubilee of Hope invites us to consider our vulnerability and transform it into philanthropic action. As Nelson Mandela wrote: "The most powerful thing we need is the courage to act", so I hope that in this Holy Year civil society will show more courage and that this courage will translate into concrete actions, transforming hope into reality.
Dr. Elisa Bortoluzzi Dubach, a consultant in Public Relations, Sponsorships and Foundations , teaches at various universities and higher education institutes in Switzerland and Italy and is co-author, among others, of The Generous Relationship – A Guide to Collaborating with Philanthropists and Patrons.
