Saint Mark Parish in Emporium displays their Trellis of Hope for the Jubilee Year

03/26/2025

As part of the universal celebration of the Jubilee Year, Saint Mark Parish in Emporium has unveiled a moving visual reminder of faith, prayer and community: a Trellis of Hope, prominently displayed just inside the main door of the church. 

The trellis is adorned with paper hearts in the official colors of the Jubilee Year. Each heart carries a handwritten message—a personal hope, intention or prayer—from members of the parish community. The hearts continue to multiply each week, offering a beautiful testament to the faith and unity of Saint Mark’s congregation.

The Trellis of Hope will remain in place throughout the entire Jubilee Year, serving as a living symbol of spiritual renewal, shared intentions and the enduring hope that comes through Christ.

The trellis itself was lovingly constructed and donated by a father and son team—parishioners Dan and Nick Martuccio—who gave of their time, talent and treasure to create something meaningful for their fellow parishioners. Both men are fourth-degree members of the Knights of Columbus, serve as ushers at Saturday evening Mass and have completed a 33-day consecration to Saint Joseph—whose role as a carpenter surely inspired their craftsmanship. 

“We wanted to do something that would help people feel connected during this Jubilee Year,” said Dan. “It’s really special to see how everyone is adding their own hope and prayer to something bigger than themselves.”

Parishioners like Maggie Abriatis, a St. Mark parishioner and high school senior, appreciate the opportunity to take part in this special year by adding their own heart of hope to the trellis. For Maggie and many others, it’s a meaningful way to live out their faith and join together in prayer and intention during the Jubilee Year.

The parishioners of St. Mark in Emporium hang their hearts of hope on the Jubilee Year trellis knowing that, as Saint Paul stated, “Hope never disappoints.”

Hope is the greatest single thing that an individual can give to a group of people. Just as Christ has given us hope through his life, death and resurrection, we are confident in our hope for our lives and our eternity as we follow him. For the people of Saint Mark, the Trellis of Hope is more than a display—it’s a collective act of prayer and faith, a sign of the grace that flows when a community comes together to lift up their hopes, hearts, and one another.

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