The Diocese of Toledo is joining the universal Church in celebrating a special Year of St. Francis of Assisi, proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV to mark the 800th anniversary of the death of Francis of Assisi. The year of prayer and renewal will extend through January 10, 2027, offering the faithful the opportunity to obtain a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions.
In his recent Leading the Flock column, Bishop Daniel E. Thomas encouraged the faithful to engage intentionally with this year dedicated to St. Francis and to reflect more deeply on his life and legacy.
“Eight centuries ago, Saint Francis prompted an evangelical renewal in the Christians and society of his time,” Pope Leo XIV wrote in his Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi Te, published on October 4, 2025, the memorial of St. Francis. “The story of his life continues to appeal to the minds and hearts of believers.”
In the spirit of this holy year, Bishop Thomas has designated three Franciscan Pilgrimage Sites within the Diocese of Toledo where the faithful are invited to pray and participate in the graces of the jubilee year.
The pilgrimage sites are:
- Portiuncula on the Motherhouse grounds of the Sylvania Franciscan Sisters
- Motherhouse Eucharistic Chapel on the grounds of the Tiffin Franciscan Sisters
- Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey, served by the Conventual Franciscan Friars
Bishop Thomas expressed gratitude to the Franciscan communities who have made these pilgrimage opportunities possible for the faithful of the diocese.
“I am deeply grateful to the Sylvania Franciscan Sisters, the Tiffin Franciscan Sisters, and the Conventual Franciscan Friars of the Province of Our Lady of Consolation for graciously opening their campuses to the faithful of our Diocese,” he wrote.
The bishop concluded his column by inviting Catholics throughout the Diocese of Toledo to embrace this time of grace through prayer and pilgrimage, asking St. Francis of Assisi to intercede for the Church.
For more information about the Year of St. Francis and pilgrimage sites, visit: toledodiocese.org/francis
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Posted March 13, 2026 at 9:08 am