The Year of St Francis - Marking 800 years of a legacy of peace, simple living and a love for Creation.

2026 marks the 800th anniversary of St Francis of Assisi's death in 1226. Pope Leo XIV declared that it will be a special Year of St Francis  in which we are all called to become saints in our world,  following St Francis' example. We are called to model a holiness of life and witness to peace. Pope Leo has said:
"This Year of St Francis spurs all of us, each according to our possibilities to imitate the poor man of Assisi, to form ourselves  as far as possible on the model of Christ... may the hope that  has seen us as pilgrims now be transformed into zeal and  fervour of active charity."
The Year runs from 10 January 2026, the closing of the Jubilee Year "Pilgrims of Hope", until 10 January 2027.

How can we care for creation just like them ?

God of Creation, teach us to live simply, to care deeply, and to walk gently with one another and with the Earth. Through the example of St Francis, help us to be people of peace, care and hope. Amen