On the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Franics of Assisi in 1226, Pope Leo has proclaimed a special jubilee year along with plenary indulgences. During this time of grace, which will extend until January 2027, the faithful are granted the opportunity to obtain a plenary indulgence. This Franciscan Jubilee Year, considered a gift for the entire Church and an occasion for authentic spiritual renewal, was inaugurated on January 10th until January 10th of next year, the faithful can obtain this grace under the usual conditions – sacramental confession, reception of Holy Communion, and prayer for the intentions of the pope – by making a pilgrimage to any Franciscan church or place of worship dedicated to St. Francis anywhere in the world. Furthermore, the elderly, the sick, and those who, for serious reasons, cannot leave their homes can obtain the plenary indulgence by spiritually joining in the jubilee celebrations and offering their prayers, pains, or sufferings to God. Pope Leo emphasized that “In this era, marked by so many seemingly endless wars, by internal and social divisions that create distrust and fear, St. Francis, continues to speak to us. Not because he offers technical solutions, but because his life points to the authentic source of peace: Jesus Christ!” In this regard the Pope highlighted that St. Francis reminds us that “Peace with God, peace among people, and peace with creation are inseparable dimensions of a single call to universal reconciliation.” How fortunate that we worship at Blessed Sacrament church which is a Franciscan place of worship. Not only do we have statues of St. Francis in our church, be we imitate his love for the poor by our outreach programs. St. Francis is the patron saint of world peace. How badly we need that peace today! Wars are still raging, people are suffering from loneliness and depression, there is division among us like never before. But St. Francis understands, because he lived through these sufferings also. This is what prompted him to compose his famous Peace Prayer: “Make me a channel of your peace; where there is hatred let me bring love…” He even lived out his vocation to be a peace maker by walking all the way to the East (Iran) with his brothers, to meet with the Sultan who was the spiritual leader of the Muslims. The two men got along like brothers, as their relationship brought some relief and peace to war torn Europe. Watch for programs we will have during Lent in honor of St. Francis! ~ Fr. John