The Franciscan Jubilee

In the last 15 years, there have been three distinct years dedicated to saints as a way to make space (to make “holy” literally meaning to set apart) for an outpouring of grace upon the faithful.  

· The Year of St. Paul 2008-2009

· The Year of St. Joseph 2020-2021

· Triple Jubilee of St. Thomas Aquinas 2023-2025 honoring the 700^th anniversary of his canonization, 750^th year since his death, and 800^th year since his birth

The Franciscan Jubilee

Pope Leo XIV declared on January 10^th, the Year of St. Francis of Assisi, since 2026 marks the 800^th year since his death.

The faithful are especially encouraged to make a pilgrimage during an extraordinary jubilee year. All Franciscan shrines are considered a place of pilgrimage which upon visiting, you have the opportunity to receive a plenary indulgence according to the usual conditions. 

We would like to invite you to pilgrimage like St. Francis of Assisi.

St. Francis of Assisi shared the Gospel wherever he went by his compassion and humility. We can do the same, whether showing extra kindness to those struggling to find their ID in the TSA line, the extra smelly person on the bus, or the tired waitress at the end of her shift. We have the opportunity to be like Christ to others and can follow St. Francis of Assisi’s example. He loved without counting the cost, embraced discomfort, and sought to magnify Christ in moments of inconvenience.

2026 Pilgrimages to Consider

Consider walking in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi during this holy year of the Franciscan Jubilee! You are welcome to refer to our ultimate Franciscan pilgrimage checklist. Choose one or choose all!

· A must stop is Assisi to ponder the childhood and conversion of St. Francis, that you too might also be “cut to the heart” (Acts 2:37) to live zealously for the Gospel.

· Consider visiting Greccio where St. Francis assembled the first Nativity scene with live animals!  

· Travel to the mountain of La Verna where he received the stigmata towards the end of his life. St. Clare of Assisi would sew socks and gloves for St. Francis to help with the bleeding and as a way to hide the wounds.

· Make your way to Rome where St. Francis of Assisi persevered to receive papal approval for the Order’s rule. Join Teresa Tomeo and Matthew Bunson on this October pilgrimage!

· Oral tradition states that St. Francis walked the Camino de Santiago and founded many monasteries on the way home. Journey on this pilgrimage to Lourdes and Northern Spain!

· Consider journeying out to the Holy Land to walk in the footsteps of Christ. Learn to love the Cross like St. Francis went to the Holy Land to meditate on the life of Our Lord and eventually assigned some of the friars to remain there to continue ministering to the local Christians.

If you cannot make it overseas, considering making a mini pilgrimage to any Franciscan conventual church or place of worship dedicated to St. Francis in the world.