Year of St. Francis
In early January, Pope Leo XIV announced a special Year of St. Francis, to be observed from Jan. 10, 2026, through Jan. 10, 2027, commemorating the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi (1226-2026). Issued by the Vatican's Apostolic Penitentiary, the decree establishes a Franciscan Jubilee Year focused on spiritual renewal and invites Christians to embrace St. Francis's witness of holiness and peace in the world today.
"In recent years, other important jubilees have concerned the figure and works of the Saint of Assisi: the eighth centenary of the creation of the first Nativity scene in Greccio, of the composition of the Canticle of the Creatures, a hymn to the holy beauty of creation, and that of the impression of the Sacred Stigmata, which took place on Monte della Verna, almost a new Calvary, two years before his death. 2026 will mark the culmination and fulfillment of all previous celebrations: it will in fact be the Year of St. Francis and we will all be called to become saints in the contemporary world following the example of the Seraphic Patriarch."
Join us in celebrating this Jubilee Year:
The Easter of Francis of Assisi: Ongoing Conversion and the Spirituality of Presence
(virtual event series: part one)
Join Dr. Darleen Pryds, FSPA affiliate, as she explores the final years of Francis of Assisi and the spiritual journey of letting go. Through storytelling, meditation and small group reflection, we'll consider how Francis' example invites us into deeper conversion and presence amid life's uncertainties.
Session 2:
Jan. 27
6:30-8 p.m. CT
Online via Zoom
From Darkness to Light: Honoring the 800th Anniversary of the Transitus of Francis
Feb. 7
12-3 p.m. CT
Online via Zoom
All are invited to join the Franciscan Federation for its annual online retreat. Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv., Bishop of Lexington, Kentucky, and Katie Sullivan, Executive Director of Franciscan Volunteer Ministry, will be the speakers.
Visit franfed.org to register.
An Extraordinary Encounter: Peaceful Dialogue in the Midst of War
(virtual event series: part two)
Apr. 15
6-8 p.m. CT
Online via Zoom
Join Sister Kathleen Warren, OSF, for a powerful exploration of the historic meeting between St. Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malek al-Kamil during the Fifth Crusade. In a time marked by violence and division, this extraordinary encounter offers enduring lessons on peaceful dialogue, mutual respect, and the possibility of transformation across seemingly insurmountable boundaries.
Visit franfed.org for more information and to register.
St. Francis of Assisi: Birds, Wolves, Bulls and Bears (Oh My!)
(virtual event series: part three)
July 15
6:30-8 p.m. CT
Online via Zoom
Join Sister Margaret Carney, OSF, for a lively and thought-provoking session exploring how the early friars of the Franciscan tradition navigated the economic realities of their time — and what their example might offer to modern citizens living in a capitalist society.
Visit franfed.org for more information and to register.
The Cosmic Community of Creation: Exploring the Ecosprituality of St. Francis in the Canticle of the Creatures
(virtual event series: part four)
Oct. 7
6:30-8 p.m. CT
Online via Zoom
Join Dan Horan for the final session in this commemorative series, focusing on the Canticle of the Creatures — a poetic and theological masterpiece composed by St. Francis in three parts and completed shortly before his death.
Visit franfed.org for more information and to register.