JUBILEE YEAR of ST. FRANCIS

1226 - 2026 

As a Franciscan Monastery, the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama, has been designated as a pilgrimage site for the Franciscan Jubilee Year.

 

What is the Franciscan Jubilee Year?

Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a special jubilee year from January 10, 2026 to January 10, 2027 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. 

During this year, the faithful are all called to follow the example of St. Francis, becoming saints in the contemporary world and constant witnesses of peace.

Why go on Pilgrimage?

“Pilgrimage is a 'fundamental' part of jubilee events. Setting out on a journey is traditionally associated with our human quest for meaning in life. A pilgrimage on foot is a great aid for rediscovering the value of silence, effort and simplicity of life.” -Pope Francis 

The Church grants a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions to all the faithful who participate in the Year of Saint Francis in the form of a pilgrimage.

Pilgrims may travel to any Franciscan conventual church or place of worship anywhere in the world dedicated to Saint Francis or connected to him for any reason. To receive the indulgence, one must spend time in prayer for Christian charity towards their neighbors and peace among peoples and fulfill the usual conditions for indulgences (see below).

  

Plenary Indulgence

Those who travel as pilgrims to the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament can obtain a plenary indulgence by fulfilling the requirements set by the Holy See.

  • Offer your pilgrimage either for your sanctification or for the faithful departed;
  • Spend at least a reasonable period of time in pious meditation and raise prayers to God so that, following the example of Saint Francis, feelings of Christian charity towards ones neighbors and authentic vows of harmony and peace among peoples may spring forth in ones heart;
  • Pray the Our Father and the Creed for the intentions of the Holy Father and invocations to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Clare and all the Saints of the Franciscan Family;
  • Receive Holy Communion the day the indulgence is performed;
  • Make a Sacramental Confession twenty days before or after the day the indulgence is performed;
  • Detach completely from any affection for sin, even venial sin. 

 

Horses grazing in a field in front of the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament

How to plan your Jubilee Pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament


1.  Recruit a group from your parish, bible study, family & friends, or decide if you'd like to come by yourself for a more private experience. 

2. Select a date (or several days) between January 10, 2026 to January 10, 2027 to spend on pilgrimage. If you are planning to bring a group of 15 or more people, fill out our group pilgrimage form or email our pilgrimage department at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find a date that works for both you and us.

3. Depending on the length of your stay, find lodging at one of the local guest houses or hotels. 

4. Prepare your heart (and your bags) for travel. Try to pack light for your pilgrimage. Though we doubt you will be coming here on foot, pack as if you were. Try to bring just the essentials. Be sure to take our dress code into account, especially if visiting during the summer. Plan to unplug as much as you can by limiting phone and camera use to differentiate this trip from a normal vacation. Be sure to bring a rosary and a book for spiritual reading. Don't have a book to bring? Visit our gift shop when you arrive and our staff can help you find the right book for your personal retreat. 

5. Plan your itinerary. Whether staying for one day or a whole week, schedule out your time for each day. Planning your own retreat can feel overwhelming, but it can be simpler than you think. First, if you wish to receive the Jubilee's Plenary Indulgence, Mass and Confession are essential to fulfilling the requirements, so check our calendar for Mass and Confession times on the dates you will be here. Choose the Mass and Confession time you wish to attend and then schedule in some time prior to prepare yourself for receiving these sacraments. With that step complete, take a look at our sample itineraries for inspiration to how you can spend the rest of the day. 

As always, feel free to email our Pilgrimage Department at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We will be happy to help you every step of the way!  

  

Official Prayer for the Jubilee Year
of St. Francis  

Saint 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.

 

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