Néhémie Prybinski, OFM
On the occasion of the 800th anniversary of the blessed passing of Saint Francis of Assisi from this earthly life to his heavenly homeland, the Church proclaims a special Year of Saint Francis, to be celebrated from January 10, 2026, to January 10, 2027. It is a time of grace, prayer, and spiritual renewal. On this page you will find the letter written by the Ministers General on the occasion of the Eighth Centenary of the Transitus of Saint Francis, as well as pilgrimage sites within our Province.
The Year of Saint Francis has been instituted to remind the world of the figure of the Poor Man of Assisi—man of the Gospel, of peace, and of mercy—and to invite all the faithful to live in the spirit of Christ, in simplicity, reconciliation, and active charity toward one’s neighbour. The teaching of Saint Francis, especially his profound understanding of mercy and forgiveness, remains remarkably relevant today in the face of crises of faith, peace, and human relationships.
A Seed for Eternal Life
The letter written by the Ministers General on the occasion of the Eighth Centenary of the Transitus of Saint Francis.
Special Grace of a Plenary Indulgence
By virtue of the decree issued in Rome on January 10, 2026, in accordance with the will of the Holy Father Leo XIV, a special grace of plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful. It may be offered for oneself or for the suffering souls in purgatory.
The indulgence is available to members of the Franciscan Family—religious and lay—as well as to all the faithful without exception, provided that during the Year of Saint Francis, and with a heart free from sin, they fulfil the usual conditions: sacramental confession, reception of Holy Communion, and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father.
During this year, it is also required to participate devoutly in the celebrations of the Year of Saint Francis: a pilgrimage to any Franciscan church or monastery, or to another place connected with the saint; participation in a jubilee celebration; or time dedicated to prayer and meditation, raising to God supplications that, following the example of Saint Francis, Christian charity and a genuine desire for concord and peace among nations may grow in hearts.
The prayer should conclude with the recitation of the “Our Father,” the “Creed,” and invocations to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Clare, and all the Saints of the Franciscan Family.
Within Everyone’s Reach
The Church extends particular care to the elderly, the sick, and all those who, for serious reasons, cannot leave their homes. They too may obtain the plenary indulgence if they unite themselves spiritually to the celebrations of the Year of Saint Francis, offering to God their prayers, sufferings, and daily difficulties, with the desire to fulfil the usual conditions as soon as they are able.
The Year of Saint Francis is an invitation to allow the hope that guided us during the previous Holy Year to be transformed into fervour, mercy, and concrete acts of peace. May it become a time of spiritual growth, reconciliation, and renewal of hearts, following the example of the saint of Assisi, who teaches us to love God, the Church, and every human being.
Pilgrimage Sites in Our Province
The Grotto of Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes in Lachute (QC)
Address: 250 Providence Boulevard, P.O. Box 336, Lachute, Quebec, J8H 3X5
Website: https://www.zonepastoralelachute.org/Grotte/Celebrations.html
For more information, contact Pierre Brunette, OFM by email: pierreofm @ gmail.com
La Chapelle Saint-Antoine in Trois-Rivières (QC)
Address: 890 Saint-Maurice Boulevard, Trois-Rivières, Quebec, G9A 3P8
Website: https://musee.perefrederic.ca/la-chapelle
Telephone: +1 (819) 370-1280
Located at the corner of Laviolette Street and Saint-Maurice Boulevard.
The chapel is open from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday; from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Sundays (free admission).
Masses are celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Monday to Saturday, and at 11:00 a.m. on Sundays.
Confessions are heard 30 minutes before Mass or by appointment with a priest.
St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Richmond (BC)
Address: 4451 Williams Road, Richmond, British Colombia, V7E 1J7
Website: https://stjworker.ca
Email: parish.stjw @ rcav.org
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre, Cochrane (AB)
Address: 41160 Retreat Road, P.O. Box 430, Cochrane, Alberta, T4C 1A6
Website: https://mountstfrancis.ca
Telephone: +1 (403) 932-2012
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
