Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a special Jubilee Year to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, inviting the Church to rediscover the saint’s simple, Gospel-centered way of life.

From Jan. 10, 2026, to Jan. 10, 2027, the Year of St. Francis calls believers and communities to embrace a life marked by peace, fraternity, and care for creation — hallmarks of Franciscan spirituality that remain deeply relevant today. The Apostolic Penitentiary has also announced the opportunity to receive a plenary indulgence, under the usual conditions, for those who participate in jubilee initiatives with sincere conversion of heart, expressing their faith through prayer and responsible care for the world entrusted to them.

While the Jubilee Year is of particular significance for Franciscan communities around the world, the invitation extends to all the faithful. Pilgrimages to Franciscan churches or places dedicated to St. Francis, along with prayer and spiritual participation — even from home for those unable to travel — offer a way for everyone to enter into this time of grace.

That global invitation will take on a local expression this fall as Oct. 3 marks the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. Though observed each year within the Franciscan family, this milestone offers the broader Church a moment to reflect more deeply on the life and legacy of one of its most beloved saints.

Each year, Franciscans commemorate the Transitus on the evening of Oct. 3 — the vigil of St. Francis’ feast day. The word “transitus,” meaning “crossing over,” refers to his passage from earthly life to eternal life. The observance recalls not only his death but also the faith, humility and surrender that marked his final days.

In Duluth, the Solanus Casey Fraternity of Franciscans is planning a special celebration to mark the anniversary. The fraternity, a lay order within the Catholic Church, meets at Holy Family Parish and draws members from across the Diocese of Duluth. They gather regularly for prayer, fellowship and ongoing formation, striving to grow in faith while living out the Franciscan call to service.

Jane Barnes, OSF, the fraternity’s minister, said that commitment extends beyond their meetings. Members regularly serve in the community, including outreach at the Damiano Center, accompanying those in need with compassion and dignity.

To mark the anniversary, the group is hosting a daylong event titled “An Encounter with St. Francis — Celebrating the Life and Legacy of St. Francis of Assisi.” Open to the public, it offers an opportunity to experience Franciscan spirituality more fully.

The gathering begins at 12:30 p.m. with a light lunch, followed by an afternoon program featuring Michael Krueger, director of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. Through storytelling — and even appearing in the role of St. Francis — Krueger will bring the saint’s life into vivid focus, offering participants a deeper understanding of his witness.

The Transitus service at 4 p.m. will include Scripture and readings recalling the final weeks of Francis’ life, inviting reflection on his journey of faith. The day concludes with Mass at 4:30 p.m., drawing the celebration together in prayer and thanksgiving.

In the Brainerd area, the Spiritu Sanctus Franciscan Fraternity is also preparing to mark the anniversary with a series of prayerful, community-centered events. Led by fraternity minister Suzanne Gramer, OSF and formation director Esther Reagan, OSF, the group hopes to bring the spirit of St. Francis into parishes across the Brainerd Deanery.

During the Oct. 3-4 weekend, members plan to participate in parish Masses throughout the deanery, sharing reflections and serving as lay ministers at St. Francis and neighboring parishes. The fraternity will also begin a St. Francis Novena on Sept. 26, inviting others to join in prayer in the days leading up to the feast.

A Transitus service is planned for the evening of Oct. 3 at St. Francis, following the parish’s Oktoberfest festivities, beginning around 7 p.m. and continuing with an overnight vigil. Masses that weekend will also be offered for deceased members of the fraternity, honoring those who have lived the Franciscan vocation before them. On Oct. 4, the fraternity will host fellowship with donuts after Masses, offering a simple opportunity for community and celebration.

That spirit of service extends well beyond the anniversary observance. Throughout the year, the Spiritu Sanctus Fraternity serves the wider community by helping provide monthly meals for Open Arms Community Resource Center in Baxter. Members also assist at the Brainerd soup kitchen, prepare meals for youth before faith formation and take part in jail ministry through Residents Encounter Christ, offering retreats and prayer support for those who are incarcerated.

Eight centuries later, St. Francis continues to speak powerfully to the modern world. His life reveals a distinctive way of following Christ — marked by joy, simplicity and a deep love for the poor. He balanced contemplation and action, grounding himself in prayer before going out to serve.

As the patron saint of ecology, Francis also recognized the beauty and dignity of creation, seeing it as a reflection of God’s goodness. His witness remains a timely reminder of the call to live with reverence, humility and care for all that God has made.

In this Jubilee Year — and in the local celebrations that mark this historic anniversary — the Church is invited to rediscover a way of life rooted in the Gospel, one that continues to inspire deeper faith and renewed purpose.