Jubilee Mass honors St. Francis’ legacy of mercy, humility

Bishop Joseph A. Williams led a Jubilee Mass at the Church of the Incarnation on Sept. 26 to honor the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi. Approximately 150 people, including religious members and Secular Franciscans, attended the celebration in Mantua.

The Mass was part of a Jubilee Year proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV, which is scheduled to end on Jan. 10, 2027. During the liturgy, Bishop Williams encouraged attendees to imitate Saint Francis by working to restore the beauty of creation. He referenced the Canticle of the Sun to remind the community that all creatures form one family under God.

Bishop Williams also spoke about the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness among families, friends, and neighbors. He noted that the willingness to endure hardship for the sake of pardoning others helps restore the glory of creation.