Bishop Siegel celebrates Franciscan Jubilee Mass

Bishop Joseph M. Siegel celebrated Mass at St. Joseph Church of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Dale on Oct. 4 to mark the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. During the homily, Bishop Siegel described how St. Francis chose poverty to find joy in Christ, noting how the saint returned his fine clothing to his father to become known as the little poor man.

The Mass included Father Martin Estrada, the parish administrator, as a concelebrant. Bishop Siegel designated St. Joseph Church as a pilgrimage church, a status that began Sept. 26 and will continue until the end of the Franciscan Jubilee Year on Jan. 10, 2027.

Pope Leo XIV proclaimed a special Year of St. Francis of Assisi to coincide with the 800th anniversary of the saint's death. This Jubilee Year runs from Jan. 10 until Jan. 10, 2027. Pilgrims visiting St. Joseph Church during this period may receive a plenary indulgence granted by the Pope. To receive this, visitors must meet the conditions set by the Apostolic Penitentiary, which include sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion, and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father. The indulgence can also be applied as suffrage for the souls in Purgatory.