Many themes of the Holy Year are woven into the words of this official hymn – Pilgrims of Hope. The text was written by Pierangelo Sequeri and set to music by Francesco Meneghello. The English translation is by Andrew Wadsworth.

The official English recording, though very beautiful, is also quite traditional, with choir and organ. You can hear it, and download the full sheet music accompaniment and choral parts from the Jubilee website here: bit.ly/Jubilee2025officialhymn.
Fo those who – like us – tend to have a more contemporary liturgical music repertoire, we thought it would be helpful to have a reference recording in English with a simple guitar and piano arrangement. You can listen and download here:
LYRIC VIDEO
It’s worth noting that the original, official recording and sheet music are in F major, but we’ve found it helpful to do it in the slightly lower key of Eb. Congregations – young people especially – can be a little reticent if they feel like songs are too high.
We’ve also produced a helpful guitar and melody lead sheet which you can download for free via the link below. And we’ve supplied the lead sheet for you in BOTH keys.
(You’re welcome! 😇)
It’s also helpful to note that the text for this official Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee Hymn has the meter 8787. So, if you don’t have the opportunity to learn this new tune, you could consider singing the text to a more familiar 8787 hymn tune.
We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
Delighted to find your more contemporary version of the Jubilee Hymn, Pilgrims of Hope. Much more appropriate for our music style. Looking forward to sharing it with our parish congregation.
Thank you.
Glad to know it’s helpful Catriona. Bless you.