Special Anniversaries:
St. Francis of Assisi
and Mission Dolores
800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi (1226–2026)
250th anniversary of Mision San Francisco de Asís (Misión Dolores)
In addition to the 250th birthday of San Francisco, the Archdiocese of San Francisco celebrates two remarkable milestones In 2026 that invite us to reflect on our rich spiritual heritage and renew our commitment to the Gospel. This year commemorates the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi (1226–2026) and the 250th anniversary of Misión San Francisco de Asís (Mission Dolores), founded in 1776 —the birthplace of the Catholic faith in San Francisco and the oldest surviving building in the city.
These anniversaries offer a unique opportunity to rediscover the enduring legacy of St. Francis, whose life of humility, peace, and joyful discipleship continues to inspire the Church throughout the world. They also invite us to honor the history of Mission Dolores, where generations of faithful have encountered Christ and where the story of Catholicism in San Francisco first took root.
Throughout this commemorative year, parishes, ministries, and the faithful are encouraged to participate in liturgical celebrations, pilgrimages, educational events, and opportunities for prayer and service. Whether you are visiting one of our historic churches, learning more about our Franciscan heritage, or seeking spiritual renewal, we invite you to join us in celebrating these extraordinary anniversaries with gratitude, faith, and hope.
1226-2026
Year of St. Francis
In the beloved city of San Francisco—named for and entrusted to the care of Saint Francis of Assisi—we are reminded that our local Church is deeply rooted in a spiritual heritage marked by simplicity, humility, and peace. This is the city once affectionately called “Assisi by the Bay” by Cardinal William Levada, a place where the Gospel has long been lived in a distinctly Franciscan way. From the founding of Misión San Francisco de Asís (Mission Dolores) in 1776, the oldest surviving structure in our city, to the present day, the charism of St. Francis has quietly shaped the faith and witness of generations.
It is within this living tradition that His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a Special Year of St. Francis to be celebrated from January 10, 2026, to January 10, 2027. In doing so, the Holy Father invites the entire Church—and in a special way, all of us here in San Francisco—to rediscover the path of holiness through the example of the Poverello of Assisi: a life marked by conversion of heart, joyful poverty, and a tireless commitment to peace.
This Special Jubilee Year is not simply a commemoration, but a grace-filled call to renewal. Through the ministry of the Apostolic Penitentiary, the Church extends the gift of a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions to all who participate devoutly in its observance. In this way, the faithful are invited to open their hearts more fully to God’s mercy, allowing that mercy to take root and bear fruit in their lives.
While this year holds particular meaning for the Franciscan families and all who follow the Rule or spirituality of St. Francis, its invitation is universal. Every member of the faithful is called to enter into this sacred time: to step away from sin, to embrace conversion, and to make pilgrimage—whether across great distances or within the quiet of one’s own heart—to places dedicated to St. Francis throughout the world.
Here in San Francisco, this call resounds with special urgency and beauty. In a city bearing his name, we are asked not only to honor St. Francis, but to become like him: men and women who radiate peace in a restless world, who embrace the poor and the forgotten, and who witness, with joyful simplicity, to the transforming love of Christ.
A special Year of Saint Francis
Pope Leo XIV has decreed that from January 10, 2026, to January 10, 2027, “a special Year of Saint Francis shall be proclaimed, in which every faithful Christian, following the example of the Saint of Assisi, shall become a model of holiness of life and a constant witness of peace.”
As the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has stated, we are called to be witnesses of peace by boldly proclaiming the dignity of the human person and working for the protection of all human life. In this Year of Saint Francis, may he help us to see the beauty of life in all of creation, and in particular, in the weakest and most vulnerable among us.
Locations for Pilgrimage
In honor of this special year on the occasion of the 800th anniversary of the Transitus (death) of Saint Francis, Archbishop Cordileone has designated several locations where the faithful may make a pilgrimage and pray devoutly to fulfill the conditions for receiving a plenary indulgence:
- National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi
- Mission Dolores Church
- Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in East Palo Alto
- Mission San Rafael
- Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption
Plenary Indulgence for the Jubilee Year
During this Year of St. Francis, the Church extends a profound spiritual gift: the possibility of receiving a plenary indulgence, granted by the Apostolic Penitentiary. This indulgence may be applied either for oneself or for the souls of the deceased.
To receive this grace, the faithful are invited first to approach with hearts detached from sin—that is, with a sincere desire for conversion and a firm rejection of anything that separates us from God.
A central act of this Jubilee is to make a pilgrimage—whether near or far—to a Franciscan church or any place of worship dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi anywhere in the world. In that sacred place, the faithful are called to renew their identity and mission as Christians through prayer and devotion.
Conditions for Receiving the Plenary Indulgence
(for oneself or for the deceased)
- Sacramental Confession
To be in God’s grace, received within about eight days before or after. - Participation in Holy Mass and reception of Holy Communion
- Pilgrimage to a Franciscan church or shrine dedicated to St. Francis
During the visit:- Recite the Creed, renewing your profession of faith and reaffirming your Christian identity
- Pray the Lord’s Prayer, recalling the dignity of being children of God through Baptism
- Prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father
This expresses communion with the universal Church, whose visible center of unity is the Roman Pontiff.
To gain a plenary indulgence, in addition to excluding all attachment to sin, even venial sin, it is necessary to perform a prescribed work designated by the Church (such as praying the stations of the cross in a church or visiting one of the designated pilgrimage sites) and fulfill the following three conditions: sacramental confession, Eucharistic Communion, and prayer for the intentions of the Pope. This page brings together a collection of resources to help you reflect on the life and spirituality of St. Francis. Here you will find prayers, meditations, and articles from trusted Catholic sources, including Franciscan Media and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). These resources explore themes such as peace, care for creation, and living as instruments of God’s love in the world.
Cathedral to Host Sacred Relics of St. Francis & St. Clare in October 2026
In this historic year for San Francisco, you are invited to encounter the living legacy of Saint Francis of Assisi in a profound and unforgettable way. Through the efforts of the Knights of St. Francis of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, sacred relics and treasures from Assisi will leave Assisi for the very first time and come to our city this October—including the coperchio di Cimabue, or wooden cover that once protected the body of St. Francis, his breviary and habit, the horn of the Sultan given to him, and locks of hair of Saint Clare of Assisi.
Come and venerate these extraordinary relics, marking the 250th anniversary of our city and the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death. Draw near to the spirit of Assisi—and be renewed by the radical faith, humility, and peace of St. Francis.
For further inquiries regarding the tour of relics, please contact Dcn. Christoph Sandoval at 415-567-2020 ext. 203.
Reflections:
Franciscan Media Resources
Notes from a Friar: St. Francis’ Prayer before the Crucifix, by Roch Niemier, OFM
A Franciscan Celebration of the Psalms
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/st-anthony-messenger/a-franciscan-celebration-of-the-psalms/
A Look at the Peace Prayer of St. Francis, by Jack Wintz, OFM https://www.franciscanmedia.org/st-anthony-messenger/a-look-at-the-peace-prayer-of-st-francis/
How to Be an Instrument of Peace, by Martin Pable, OFM Cap
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/st-anthony-messenger/how-to-be-an-instrument-of-peace/
USCCB Prayer Resources:
Prayers on the Care of Creation
https://www.usccb.org/prayers/prayers-care-creation-0
Oraciones sobre el cuidado de la creación
https://www.usccb.org/es/prayers/oraciones-sobre-el-cuidado-de-la-creacion
Reflections from Father Bobby Barbato
Father Bobby Barbato, OFM Cap. is the rector of the National Shrine of St. Francis.
Saint francis | sanctus franciscus | san francisco
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace
Misión San Francisco de Asís
Misión San Francisco de Asís
Founded October 9, 1776
celebrating 250 years, 1776 – 2026
Mission Dolores Basilica
3321 16th St. San Francisco CA 94114
www.missiondolores.org
Dear Parishioners:
As we celebrate the 250th Anniversary Year of the Founding of Misión San Francisco de Asís, we are delighted to invite you to participate in the following liturgical celebrations.
Please RSVP to the Parish office, 415-621-8203, or email: parish@missiondolores.org
Sat. June 27, 2026 - 11 a.m.
Concelebrated Mass honoring the Founding of the Mission
Archbishop Salvadore J. Cordileone, presider
Rev. Jack Clark Robinson, OFM, celebrant and homilist
Sat. October 3, 2026 - 11 a.m.
Morning Prayer Service at Mission Dolores. Reception in the parking lot following prayer service.
Sat. October 3, 2026 - 7.30 p.m.
Transitus Service at the Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi celebrating the 800th anniversary of his death.
Sun. October 4, 2026 - 11 a.m.
Bilingual [Spanish/English] Mass Celebration followed by a Procession
Fri. October 9, 2026 - 12 noon
Ecumenical Thanksgiving Prayer Service
Thanksgiving prayer service with civic leaders and guests at Mission Dolores celebrating the dedication of Misión San Francisco de Asís.
Sat. October 10, 2026 - 11 a.m.
Missa Sancti Juniperi Serra at Mission Dolores celebrated by Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone; Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, homilist. Reception in auditorium hosted by the Benedict XVI Institute.
National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi
610 Vallejo St, San Francisco, CA 94133
https://shrinesf.org
Sun. October 4, 2026 - 11 a.m.
Mass at the Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi celebrated by Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone.
Wed. October 14, 2026 - 6 p.m.
Opening Night Gala for the Sacred Relics of St. Francis of Assisi and California Mission Exhibit at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption
Fri. October 16, 2026 - 5 p.m.
Special Concert and Mass in honor of St. Francis of Assisi with sacred relics from Assisi and California Missions exhibit at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption. Bishop Steven J. Lopes, Bishop of the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter, celebrant.
Sat. November 28, 2026
Closing event for the relics of St. Francis of Assisi at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption.