Idea for Parish Prayer, Observances & Events for Jubilee Year of St. Francis

In honor of the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, Pope XIV has declared January 10, 2026-January 10, 2027 as the Jubilee Year of Saint Francis. The Diocese of Youngstown suggests these ideas for parish prayer, observances and events to connect to God through Franciscan spirituality:

Nature Walk and Reflection

• Arrange with a local park or recreation are for a nature hike, meditation or prayer service, possibly a picnic

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Adoration for Peace

• Dedicate an adoration session with guided meditations on peace

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Family Movie Night

• Host an event with Brother Sun, Sister Moon (1972), or Francesco (1989), including educational introduction or reflection questions. (see Technology and Learning Copyright Guidelines, Diocesan Directory for Catechesis, https://catechistcafe.weebly.com/uploads/9/4/2/8/9428334/f_1b_2023_technology_and_learning_copyrights_guidelines__for_administrators.pdf ) 

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Parish Flower Garden

• Plan parish grounds beautification around a statue or Saint Francis

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Parish Efforts For the Works of Mercy

• Organize a community garden
• Organize a food drive