By Catholic San Francisco
On September 20, Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone celebrated a Mass at Saint Francis of Assisi parish in East Palo Alto in honor of the Jubilee Year of Saint Francis of Assisi. The Liturgy reflected the diversity of the parish with prayers and songs offered in English, Spanish, Latin, and Tongan.
“It is truly a great joy for me to be with you today as we celebrate the feast of our favorite saint, Saint Francis of Assisi, especially in this significant year that marks the 800th anniversary of his Transitus as they say, his passing from this life to eternal life,” said Archbishop Cordileone in his homily.
Pope Leo XIV declared a special Jubilee Year of Saint Francis in January of 2026 to honor the historic anniversary of his death. The parish in East Palo Alto, established in 1951, is a pilgrimage site for the Archdiocese of San Francisco in honor of the Jubilee Year.
In his homily, Archbishop Cordileone reflected on the life of Saint Francis and the truth that he discovered about God. The archbishop noted that Saint Francis became one of the most joyful men that ever lived, asking the question: “How was this possible?” he asked.
“It’s possible because Francis discovered that joy does not come from what we possess, but from belonging to Christ,” said the archbishop. “Knowing Him and loving Him. He learned that God’s wisdom is different from the wisdom of the world.”
Also in attendance for the celebration was Father Larry Goode, former pastor of the parish, along with current pastor Father Gerardo Vazquez and parochial vicar Father Leandro Calingasan. The Mass was further enriched by the participation of the parish’s many altar servers, whose presence reflected the deep faith and multicultural spirit that continue to define St. Francis of Assisi parish as it commemorates this historic Jubilee Year.
Following Mass, there was a joyful celebration of the parish’s patron saint in the hall with the archbishop.
