A Special Jubilee Year (Jan 10, 2026–Jan 10, 2027) marking 800 years since St. Francis of Assisi’s death is drawing pilgrims worldwide to Assisi and local Franciscan churches for plenary indulgences. Pilgrims can view St. Francis’s relics, with hundreds of thousands visiting, reflecting his enduring legacy of peace.
The celebration, proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV, focuses on the themes of peace, fraternity, and spiritual renewal. Bishop Daniel E. Thomas has designated three Franciscan Pilgrimage Sites in the Toledo Diocese of Toledo for the faithful to visit in prayer. At each site you can present your passport and receive a stamp to mark your journey. Collect all three stamps to commemorate your pilgrimage and celebrate the Franciscans spirit of prayer and service.
MOTHERHOUSE EUCHARISTIC CHAPEL: On the grounds of the Tiffin Franciscans, 200 St. Francis Ave., Tiffin. Open Wednesdays and Sundays from 10am-2pm with Mass at 11:00am; Grounds are open every day from 9am to dusk. (A volunteer at the convent’s front desk will provide each pilgrim with a passport and stamp it once they’ve completed the pilgrimage.)
PORTIUNCULA: On the Motherhouse grounds of the Sylvania Franciscans, 620 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. Open every day from 8am-5pm.
THE BASILICA & NATIONAL SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF CONSOLATION: The Conventual Franciscan Friars of the Province of Our Lady of Consolation, 315 Clay St., Carey. Open 24/7
Main Destination: The Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy, featuring a rare, public display of the saint’s body from Feb. 22 to March 26, 2026.
Plenary Indulgence: Pilgrims can gain a plenary indulgence by visiting any Franciscan conventual church or church named after St. Francis. Conditions include sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion, and prayer for the Holy Father’s intentions.
Alternative Pilgrimage: For those unable to visit in person, the indulgence can be gained by spiritually joining the celebrations and offering prayers, sufferings, or pains to God.
Significance: The jubilee commemorates the 800th anniversary of the death (Transitus) of St. Francis on October 3, 1226.
