Pope Leo XIV has declared 2026 as the Jubilee Year of St. Francis to mark the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ death. St Francis’s messages of peace, poverty and harmony with God and creation are especially significant in today’s divided world. We encourage you to call on the Francis within you in response to the challenges of today.
Year of Francis – Peace Prayer
Why St. Francis is Meaningful to me by S. Ann Bremmer
Sister Roberta Smith reflects on St. Francis and the connection she has with St. Francis and his love for creation.
The Jubilee Year of St. Francis: A Personal Reflection
By Dennis N. Ranalli
Throughout this 2026 Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi, decreed by Pope Leo XIV, we are called to celebrate the Saint’s life and the 800th Anniversary of his death (Transitus), and to spread the Franciscan message of peace, love for the poor, and harmony with God and all of creation. This calling in today’s world retains as much, if not more, relevance than it did in St. Francis’ era .
Beginning with the earliest days of his pontificate, Pope Leo’s words have reflected that Franciscan message. Leo has challenged us to build bridges of understanding to quell the currents of personal and worldwide discord that generate animosity, despair, and conflict. He has expressed his profound grief over wars that destroy not only individuals, but also nations and our environment.
Pope Leo has cautioned us that morality is unraveling, in part due to hasty implementation of advancing technologies that focus more on generating enormous wealth without adhering to the truth or addressing the needs of the poor, of workers, or the protection of our vulnerable youth. The Pope advocates creative pathways with enormous potential to offer solutions that could benefit humankind and all of creation. Many of these same concerns are evident in his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, which deals with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Attentive to those perspectives, I began reading a recent issue of Franciscan Spirit magazine, when my focus was drawn to another challenge, this one from the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities. “We encourage you to call on the Francis within you in response to the challenges of today.” Just how am I to do that, I wondered?
After some serious thought, I concluded that there isn’t a single best answer. Those awakened to this challenge, as I was, will need to determine how best to respond based on their current circumstances. The point here is to take that first step by thinking about the Franciscan message. That simple, quiet time of reflection, in and of itself, will be a worthwhile action that contributes to the overall intent and spirit of this Franciscan Jubilee Year!
Based on my current circumstances, I offer you these personal reflections. As I approach my 80-year milestone, it has clearly become the most difficult phase in my journey. Yet I believe that reaching out to stay connected with those I care about most, being sincerely grateful for an abundance I already enjoy, continuing to become a better listener for those who crave to be heard, and sending out as much love as I am able, is for me the pathway to sustaining my equilibrium and dignity.
Moving forward, I am probably as good as I can ever expect to be physically. Yet spiritually, I have the faith and hope to identify future choices that will nurture my inner being. I have trust that in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, I will be guided to a place of deeper discernment to better recognize that each one of us, as a sister or a brother in Christ, truly does matter.
I invite you to take that first step of setting aside some quiet moments to consider how you might fit into this unique celebration of St. Francis’ Jubilee Year. Who knows, that one single act may be your gateway into a new domain of unexpected possibilities?
Dr. Ranalli is Emeritus Professor, University of Pittsburgh. His early education was under the direction of the Sisters of St. Francis at St. Ann Parochial School in Millvale, PA. Later he served with the Sisters on the Development Advisory Board at Mt. Alvernia. He is a previous contributor to Franciscan Spirit magazine.
The Easter of St Francis Presented by S. Annie Bremmer
By Janice Schlau, WNY Associate
S. Ann Bremmer, General Minister and S. Amy Williams, General Councilor of the Sisters of St. Francis Leadership Team arrived on Saturday, February 28, to present Lenten Reflection Day, ‘The Easter of Francis’. S. Amy greeted attendees with program sheets containing the prayer service. S. Louise Alff led the introduction and the blessing at Fredonia Place St. Mary of the Angels chapel in Williamsville, NY.
A passionate oration provided by S. Ann, over twenty years of cumulative work and study, resulted in widespread ovation. S. Ann centered her lecture on the suffering, conflicted, and struggling life of Francis of Assisi. How his unconditional surrender, the emptying of his former life as the fortunate son of a wealthy, textile merchant became important paths toward sainthood. And not just any saint, an Italian servant of his community including despised and shunned lepers who through prayer, fasting and meditation became one of the Catholic Church’s most honored saints.
A prayer service was included with readings, reflection and song. The map of Francis’ journey, which S. Ann helped describe via a quote by Charles Dickens, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” astounded even the most studied in the group. For me, at least, I’ve never known the Francis profiled here, how his conversion led to a widespread following filled with social and political challenges.
A Francis who demonstrated extreme poverty and humility, subjecting himself to six Lents per year with the goal of reaching toward the love of Christ. Images of La Verna, Italy, now a Franciscan sanctuary, were made available making this retreat more palpable. S. Ann described the landscapes with authority and vigor.
Throughout this fascinating, scholarly guide, retreatants were asked to contemplate and invite questions of ourselves regarding the relationship of Francis and Christ, subsequently our personal relationship with Christ, our relationships, forgiveness and humility. In other words, how close to Christ are we as Francis?
Francis retreated to La Verna to fast, meditate and pray. It is here that while in an exquisite vision he received the stigmata, the wounds of Christ crucified. Again, questions Francis’ experience. What is this connection with us? What does Francis’
stigmata mean to us? How do we identify with Francis in our relationships?
Both inspiring and profound, this Lenten journey will resound long after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ which we will celebrate in just about thirty days. The personal challenges of Francis helped him find peace in knowing Christ. His joy resulted in great praise and song, his Canticle of the Creatures. As we commemorate the Easter of Francis, his transitus, this Jubilee year marking the 800th anniversary of Francis death, each of us are asked to ‘grow’ forth with Francis toward the radiant and perfect love of God.
A Talk About Cartoons Teaches a Franciscan Lesson
Even a friendly chat about cartoons can become a lesson in living like St. Francis, as our Sister Maisie Ng recently discovered.
She wrote about a recent dinner with five other sisters when the talk turned to cartoons they had watched as children. Because she didn’t grow up in the U.S., Sister Maisie said she felt left out, especially when the others sang the cartoon’s theme song.
So, she shared about her childhood cartoon, including singing the theme song. As everyone laughed, Sister Maisie felt “a gentle movement of the Spirit.”
“It was like the quiet breeze that St. Francis loved, soft enough to miss if your heart isn’t listening,” she wrote. What she realized was that she often believed that her way of praying, understanding God or feeling secure was the “right” way. She recognized thatevery generation receives its own grace, melody and way of knowing God, and that St. Francis didn’t make judgments:
“Franciscan spirituality teaches us to see God’s beauty in all things. St. Francis never compared one creature to another. He simply called each one “brother” or “sister.” Sister Maisie said she felt invited to see time in the same way.
“My childhood had its blessings. Sister Veronica’s childhood had its blessings. The generation before us had its blessings. None is better. None is missing something.
Each carries a different song, and all songs rise to the same God,” she wrote.
Sister Maisie stated that “this small moment at the dinner table became a Franciscan lesson for me: to walk gently, without judgment; to honor the stories others carry; to trust that God has been generous in every age; and to rejoice that the Spirit continues to create beauty in ways I may not fully understand.”
With a softened heart and deeper peace, Sister Maisie concluded: “God’s love holds every generation, every culture, every memory. And like Francis, I am invited to bow before the mystery of God’s goodness—present in all times and in all people— even in a conversation about cartoons.”
St. Francis perceived the beauty of nature and God’s handiwork in every part of the natural world. He held deep respect and love for all living things. By seeing God present in everything and everyone, he honored the beauty and creativity of our Creator—expressed so faithfully in this prayer:
“May the blooming flowers of springtime be a reminder of the loveliness of Mother Earth and the beauty of God’s creation”.
St. Francis of Assisi (attributed)
The Year of St. Francis: A Time of Opportunity
By Frances Acosta OFS, EC Associate
As Franciscans, the Year of St. Francis invites us to pause, listen, and imitate the seraphic Father by embracing prayer, simple compassion, and the God who spoke to Francis at San Damiano. In this special year, we are challenged not only to celebrate St. Francis but to allow him to challenge us. To let his radical simplicity, his joyful humility, and his unshakable devotion to Christ disturb us in the best possible way.
Francis lived in community and companionship. This year, we must strengthen bonds, pray more, serve more generously, and accompany one another more intentionally. Our best witness is showing Franciscan presence, not preaching.
Evangelization is not about convincing; it is about revealing, letting others glimpse the Gospel alive in us. Through our presence, our fraternity, our service, and our humility, we show who we are and whose we are.
Being Franciscan means living the Gospel in family, work, ministry, and daily encounters. It calls for ongoing conversion, so joyful commitment doesn’t turn into complacency. May this Year of St. Francis rekindle the fervor and humility of our charism.
Of St. Francis’ many sayings, one stands out for its clear, quiet strength: “I have done what is mine; may Christ teach you what is yours.”
Francis doesn’t say, “Do what I did.” He says, “I was faithful to my calling. Now find yours.” He frees us: he invites, not orders; encourages, not commands; frees, not burdens, so we answer with our own gifts and circumstances.
The Year of St. Francis is more than history; honor him by following Christ with the openness and devotion Francis showed. “All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” May we Franciscans be that light.
Our Sisters share how St. Francis continues to inspire:
Sister Rose Jerome Kenlon shares why she loves St. Francis in this video.
Year of Francis – Lent with Francis
S. Ann Bremmer drew on her deep knowledge of Franciscan spirituality to present “The Easter of St. Francis on Mt. La Verna” to our Sisters and Associates in WNY. S. Ann guided her audience through St. Francis’s transformative journey — from his first compassionate encounter with lepers to the profound moment on Mt. La Verna when he received the stigmata. To view her inspiring presentation, click here.
St. Francis Remains Relevant 800 Years Later
By Rochelle Cassella, SOSFNC Director of Communications
During a recent discussion about why St. Francis of Assisi remains so relevant 800 years after his death, there were many answers: his message that we are responsible for the care of creation, as the U.S. reduces regulations for clean air and water and withdraws from global climate organizations; his call to care for the poor and to live a simple, humble life in a society where wealth is synonymous with power and happiness; his ability to see everyone as a sister or brother, even when today’s approach is to see those who disagree with our opinion as an enemy.
I admit I often struggle to see Jesus in some people in today’s political environment. It amazes me how Francis was able to bridge the gap and find common ground with someone whose values seem so different from mine. When I said this to the group, one member brought up Francis’ visit with the Sultan during the fifth crusade and said, “I wonder what Francis said to the Sultan?”
I certainly would have loved to be a fly on the wall of that tent! Because Francis’ intention was to convert Al-Malik al-Kamil to Christianity. Not only did that not happen, but Francis’ view of the Muslim faith changed. How did these two men on opposite sides of a battlefield find common ground?
The next day, I received a newsletter from the Wheaton Franciscans. It quoted author Tomáš Halík, who said that if we want to learn more about someone’s faith, don’t ask them about what they believe — whether they believe in God, what His existence is, or their religious affiliation. Instead, Halík suggests asking “how they live their faith in their world and relationships, how their faith transforms their lives and how their faith transforms their world.”
When I read that, I immediately thought of the question: What did Francis say to the Sultan? Wouldn’t it be interesting to imagine that this is what Francis did? Asking the Sultan about his beliefs would highlight their differences, while asking how he lived his faith would more likely reveal common ground — I can hear Francis saying, “Yes, that’s how I do it, too.” It’s also interesting because Francis didn’t really tell people what to do about their faith; he modeled his faith by living it. “Preach always, and when necessary, use words.”
Perhaps that’s what I need to do when interacting with someone “on the other side” — ask them how they live their faith. It may get them thinking about that. And I need to be prepared to explain how I live my faith. I’m no St. Francis, and this may not help me find common ground with the other person. But it just might help me see a little of the Jesus in them.
Catholics Can Be Peacemakers
St. Francis embodied the gift of peace. When meeting someone on the road, he greeted them with, “The Lord give you peace.” He treated people in poverty and outcasts with kindness and dignity, always spreading love rather than division. Instead of resorting to violence, Francis practiced active nonviolence. For example, when he met with the Sultan during the Crusades, Francis chose dialogue when fighting was the norm.
Francis believed in living in extreme poverty, understanding that doing so would mean he and his followers posed no threat to the wealthy — an environment where greed and competition can damage relationships. Francis recognized the power of prayer and made it his foundation, desiring to live only as Christ did.
As we travel our Lenten Road, seeking to strengthen our relationship with God by living out the gospel message of peace, we encourage you to read “Five Ways Catholics Can Be Peacemakers in Times Like These” from the Ignatian Solidarity Network.
Lent With Francis
The Five Lents of Francis
By Rochelle Cassella, Director of SOSFNC Communications
Today, we begin Lent, the 40 days of fasting and prayer that lead us to Easter. I remember as a Catholic school student pledging to “give up” something I really liked as a sacrifice. And at age eight, not eating chocolate was a real sacrifice, especially for what seemed an endless 40 days!
Imagine how difficult it would be to spend almost 200 days a year in fasting, solitude and prayer. That’s what St. Francis did, in what is known as the Five Lents of Francis.
Along with the 40 days of Lent to prepare for Easter, Francis also spent 40 days fasting and praying to prepare for Christmas. His “Christmas Lent” began on November 1. He also called for a 40-day fast after Epiphany. Sometimes there was a summer Lent, from June 29 to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To honor his personal devotion to St. Michael, Francis began fasting right after the Assumption until September 29. During Lent in 1224, Francis had a vision of a man with wings on a cross and received the stigmata.
Francis’ fasting was likely more involved than my childhood chocolate abstinence, but a sacrifice is a sacrifice, right? What fasting, prayer and almsgiving are really about is strengthening our relationship with God, making time and room for Him in our lives. Pope Francis recommended these options for fasting:
Your Lent doesn’t have to be extreme. Just find something that you can do to prepare for the sacrifice of all sacrifices and the joy that follows.
Strange facts about Francis
“The Cave” by Mumford & Sons is associated with St. Francis of Assisi because the lyrics heavily mirror descriptions of his spiritual conversion found in G.K. Chesterton’s biography of the saint. Specifically, the song references Francis’s journey from a dark cave to a new, inverted perspective on the world.
Key connections include:
While some interpretations also link the song to Plato’s allegory of the cave, the direct connection to Chesterton’s biography regarding Francis’s life of poverty and newfound faith is widely noted.
Pope Declares Jubilee Year for St. Francis
It is with joy that we announce the promulgation of the Decree establishing a special Jubilee Year in commemoration of the Eighth Centenary of the passage of St. Francis of Assisi.
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has arranged that, from the 10th of January 2026 to the 10th of January 2027, this Year of St. Francis will be celebrated, during which all the Christian faithfuls are invited to follow the example of the Saint of Assisi, becoming models of holiness of life and constant witnesses of peace. The Apostolic Penitentiary grants the plenary indulgence under the usual conditions to those who participate devoutly in this extraordinary jubilee, which represents an ideal continuation of the Ordinary Jubilee of 2025.
This Jubilee Year is addressed especially to members of the Franciscan Families of the First, Second and Third Regular and Secular Orders, as well as to Institutes of Consecrated Life, Societies of Apostolic Life and Associations that observe the Rule of St. Francis or are inspired by its spirituality. However, the grace of this special year is also extended to all the faithful without distinction who, with their spirits removed from sin, visit in the form of a pilgrimage any Franciscan conventional church or place of worship dedicated to St. Francis in any part of the world. The elderly, the sick and those who for serious reasons cannot leave home will also be able to obtain the plenary indulgence by spiritually joining the Jubilee celebrations and offering their prayers, pains or sufferings to God.
In this time of celebration that culminates eight hundred years of Franciscan memory, we cordially invite all the faithful to take an active part in this exceptional Jubilee. May the shining example of St. Francis, who knew how to make himself poor and humble in order to be true alter Christus on earth, inspire our hearts to live with authentic Christian charity towards our neighbor and with sincere longings for concord and peace among peoples. Following in the footsteps of the Poverello of Assisi, let us transform the hope that made us pilgrims during the Holy Year into fervor and zeal of effective charity. May this Year of St Francis be for each one of us a providential occasion for sanctification and evangelical witness in the contemporary world, for the glory of God and the good of the whole Church.
Conditions for receiving the Indulgence
(for oneself or for the deceased)
To pray for the intentions of the Holy Father, to reaffirm belonging to the Church, whose foundation and visible center of unity is the Roman Pontiff.
Sacramental confession to be in God’s grace (in the eight days before or after);
Participation in Mass and Eucharistic Communion.
To visit in the form of a pilgrimage any Franciscan conventual church or place of worship dedicated to St. Francis anywhere in the world, where one renews one’s profession of faith, through the recitation of the Creed, to reaffirm one’s Christian identity.
The recitation of the Lord’s Prayer, to reaffirm the dignity of children of God, received in Baptism.
