Extraordinary Jubilee Year in honor of the 800 years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi
On January 10th, our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV, through the office of the Apostolic Penitentiary, declared an extraordinary Jubilee Year to celebrate the life of Saint Francis of Assisi. One of the greatest saints of the church, Saint Francis, through his institution of the Franciscan order and tireless activity in promoting the Gospel of Jesus Christ, transformed and brought renewal to the whole Church, and provided all Christians a model for holiness. In the words of the declaration: “This Year of Saint Francis should encourage all of us, each according to his or her own possibilities, to imitate the Poor Man of Assisi.” While this year is special particularly for the members of the Franciscan orders, it is also an opportunity for all of us to learn through this great saint the path he walked which led him to be so close to our Lord and Redeemer.
To obtain the plenary indulgences granted in this Extraordinary Jubilee, the Holy See has promoted certain pious works to be undertaken by the faithful:
- Participation in Jubilee celebrations
- Making an intentional pilgrimage to a church under the patronage of St. Francis
- Prayer and meditation in the Franciscan spirit
- Daily acts of charity and humility in the spirit of Saint Francis
In completing these works, one must also fulfill the usual conditions:
- Freedom from attachments to grave sin
- Sacramental absolution in the Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation (within 20 days before of after)
- Reception of the Holy Eucharist
- Prayer for the Pope and his intentions (usually fulfilled by one Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be).
- Conclude with Our Father, Creed, and invoking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Clare of Assisi, and all the saints of the Franciscan Family. (Mary, Mother of God, pray for us. St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us. St. Clare of Assisi, pray for us. And all the saints of the Franciscan family, pray for us.)