St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade and St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Townsend have been designated as official pilgrimage sites for the Franciscan Jubilee, commemorating the 800th anniversary of the Transitus, the passing into eternal life of St. Francis of Assisi in 1226.
St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade will host a special event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. CDT on Saturday, May 16. Father David Mary Engo, FFM, will speak on the life of “The Little Poor Man” and how his 800-year-old legacy remains vital for modern Catholics. A vigil Mass will be celebrated at 4 p.m. Registration is required for the May 16 event; register or learn more at saintfrancisfairfield.org/franciscan-jubilee-year.
The Jubilee Year is intended to be a season of intense spiritual renewal for the entire Church, focusing on three core pillars of peace: peace with God, peace among humanity, and peace with creation. The faithful are encouraged to adopt the Franciscan charisms of joy, poverty, and ecological stewardship.
Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed an extraordinary Franciscan Jubilee Year, running from Jan. 10, 2026, to Jan. 10, 2027. The Holy Father has offered a plenary indulgence to the faithful. To obtain this indulgence during the Jubilee, pilgrims must fulfill the following requirements: make a pilgrimage to a designated site, such as St. Francis of Assisi churches in Fairfield Glade and Townsend; spend time in prayer during their visit; and make an act of conversion as the indulgence is tied to a spirit of conversion and the pursuit of holiness.
Under standard Church decree, a plenary indulgence also typically requires the individual to be in a state of grace, have a complete detachment from sin, and fulfill the three usual conditions: sacramental confession, eucharistic Communion, and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father.