His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a special Jubilee Year in commemoration of the Eighth Centenary of the passage of St. Francis of Assisi from death to eternal life.
On January 11, Franciscans honor the memory of Saint Thomas of Cori (1655–1729), a Franciscan who is not well known outside the region of Rome; he was canonized only in 1999.
On January 7, Franciscans in the United States celebrate not only St. Angela of Foligno [see reflection for January 4] but also join their brothers and sisters elsewhere in recalling the memory of a Friar Minor known for his profound spiritual life: Saint Charles of Sezze (1613–1670).
On January 4, Franciscans, especially the Third Order, both Secular and Regular, celebrate the memory of the great mystic, Saint Angela of Foligno (c. 1248–1309).
Christmas was such a special feast for Saint Francis because it reveals so vividly the deepest mystery of God: that our God totally empties self in the person of Jesus to share our frail humanity.
On December 15, Franciscans, especially Secular Franciscans and Third Order Regular congregations, honor the memory of Blessed Mary Frances Schervier (1819–1876).
On December 12, Catholics in the Americas celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which today is one of the most popular Christian shrines in the world. Franciscans were there at the beginning of this story.
On December 8, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, especially significant for Franciscans, as under this title we honor Mary as Patron and Queen of the Seraphic Order.
