St. Francis of Assisi Jubilee

Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed an extraordinary Jubilee Year in honor of the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, to be observed from January 10, 2026, through January 10, 2027. During this special year of grace, the faithful are invited to deepen their conversion, embrace the spirit of peace and humility that marked the life of Francis, and renew their witness to the Gospel in the world today.


What Is a Jubilee Year?

A Jubilee is a special time of grace proclaimed by the Church, calling the faithful to spiritual renewal, reconciliation and deeper union with God. This extraordinary Jubilee commemorates eight centuries of Franciscan witness — a legacy that continues to shape the Church's mission of charity, care for creation and solidarity with the poor. As an extension of the Ordinary Jubilee of 2025, it offers the entire Church a renewed occasion for encounter with God's mercy.


Activities and Lessons for Children and Adolescents


Pilgrimage Sites in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee

The following locations have been designated as official Jubilee pilgrimage sites:


How to Receive the Jubilee Plenary Indulgence

Pilgrims can obtain a plenary indulgence by passing through the pilgrim door at a designated pilgrimage site and fulfilling the other requirements:

  • Sacramental confession within eight days before or after the visit to the pilgrimage site
  • An act of mercy or penance
  • Reception of Holy Communion at the pilgrimage site or at a local parish before or after the visit
  • Prayer for the intentions of His Holiness, Poрe Leo XIV at the pilgrimage site (commonly one Our Father and one Hail Mary, or another prayer)
  • If you are unable to undertake a pilgrimage, the plenary indulgence will be granted to you if you spiritually join the Jubilee celebrations and offer your prayers, pains or sufferings to God under the usual conditions as stated here.
     
Suggested Pilgrimage Order of Prayer

Use this guide as a simple tool in ordering your prayer for your pilgrimage:

  • Sign of the Cross
  • Quiet prayer and reflection
  • Our Father
  • Creed (Apostles' Creed or Nicene Creed)
  • Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary (e.g., Hail Mary)
  • Prayer of St. Francis (Peace Prayer)
  • Prayer to St. Francis from Pope Leo XIV
  • Invocation of St. Clare and the Franciscan Saints
  • Sign of the Cross

21 Simple Ways to Make a Difference
 

Serve Christ in Those Who Are Poor
  1. Give to Capuchin Community Services, who have served some of the poorest of the poor in Milwaukee since 1968.
  2. Volunteer to work The House of Peace, Milwaukee’s largest food pantry and clothing bank. Donate school supplies, clothing, food, diapers and Christmas gifts!
  3. Serve food at St. Ben’s Community Meal, or to greet guests at St. Ben’s Open Door Ministry, which offers a shower program and laundry ministry.
  4. Help provide a welcoming environment at Franciscan Peacemakers' drop-in Hospitality Center on 34th & Lisbon, or join the mobile street outreach van on select mornings. Shop their store for great gifts.
  5. Feed seniors and children at St. Ann’s Intergenerational Day Care in Bay View, or volunteer at one of their events.
  6. Volunteer with seniors at care communities like Franciscan Villa in South Milwaukee or Villa St. Francis, Milwaukee. Opportunities include leading recreational activities, sharing a talent, or visiting with residents to reduce isolation.
  7. Donate non-perishable food to the Basilica of St. Josaphat’s Food Pantry.
  8. Spend time with persons with disabilities served by St. Coletta of Wisconsin, which has programs in Jefferson and at St. Sebastian School, Milwaukee
Care for Our Common Home
  1. Volunteer for the Catholic Ecology Center in Neosho.
  2. Learn more about Care for Creation through the Catholic Climate Covenant.
  3. Become more involved in the Waukesha County Creation Care Network.
  4. Organize or help with neighborhood, parish, park, river, or beach clean-up efforts.
  5. Plant native flowers or trees that support birds, bees, and other pollinators.
  6. Create a parish or community garden to provide food pantries with fresh produce.
  7. Reduce waste by recycling, composting, conserving water, and limiting single-use plastics.
  8. Read Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Sí, and learn more about the Church’s teaching on care for creation and discuss how your family or parish can live it more intentionally.
Build Peace Where You Live
  1. Reach out to someone who is lonely or grieving.
  2. Reconcile with a family member or friend.
  3. Help others who are in crisis.
  4. Volunteer with organizations that support mental health, families, veterans, or those experiencing crisis.
  5. Practice kindness in daily interactions—with coworkers, neighbors, cashiers, and strangers alike.

A Prayer of Pope Leo XIV 

Offered at the opening of the 800th Anniversary of the Transitus of St. Francis

St. Francis, our brother, you who eight hundred years ago went to meet Sister Death as a man at peace, intercede for us before the Lord.

You recognized true peace in the Crucifix of San Damiano, teach us to seek in Him the source of all reconciliation that breaks down every wall.

You who, unarmed, crossed the lines of war and misunderstanding, give us the courage to build bridges where the world raises up boundaries.

In this time afflicted by conflict and division, intercede for us so that we may become peacemakers: unarmed and disarming witnesses of the peace that comes from Christ.

Amen.


If you have specific questions about the Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi, please leave send it in the message box below.
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