Here is a Plenary Indulgence Devotion to St. Francis of Assisi rooted in the 2026 Jubilee
The special Jubilee Year of Saint Francis proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV will take place from 10 January 2026 to 10 January 2027, on the occasion of the eighth centenary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Decree and the Church’s teaching:
Devotion to St. Francis of Assisi
For Gaining the Plenary Indulgence during the Year of St. Francis (2026–2027)
Foundation of This Devotion
This devotion is based on the official decree granting a plenary indulgence during the Year of St. Francis, encouraging the faithful to imitate his life of poverty, charity, and peace.
Step 1: Interior Disposition
Before beginning, place yourself in God’s presence:
Prayer of Intention
Lord Jesus Christ, I desire to gain the plenary indulgence offered through the Church during this Year of St. Francis.
Grant me true detachment from all sin, even venial, and unite my heart to Your Sacred Heart.
I offer this devotion for Your glory and for the salvation of souls. Amen.
Step 2: Fulfill the Usual Conditions
(As required by the Church for a plenary indulgence )
Go to Sacramental Confession (within ~20 days)
Receive Holy Communion
Pray for the intentions of the Holy Father
Maintain complete detachment from sin
Step 3: Visit a Franciscan Church or Place
Make a pilgrimage visit to:
A Franciscan church
A church dedicated to St. Francis
Or a place associated with him
If unable (due to illness or serious reason), unite spiritually from home.
Step 4: Time of Prayer and Meditation
Spend at least 15–30 minutes in prayer, reflecting on the life of St. Francis.
Suggested Scripture
Matthew 5:3 — “Blessed are the poor in spirit…”
Galatians 2:20 — “I live, now not I, but Christ liveth in me.”
Meditation Theme
Reflect on this truth from the decree:
St. Francis became “a true alter Christus”—another Christ on earth.
Ask:
Where is God calling me to poverty of spirit?
How can I live radical charity today?
Do I bring peace or division?
Step 5: Prayers
Pray the following:
1. Our Father
2. Creed (Apostles’ or Nicene)
3. Invocations
To the Blessed Virgin Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace…
To St. Francis of Assisi
O Seraphic Father St. Francis,
who bore the wounds of Christ in your body
and the love of Christ in your heart,
teach me to follow Jesus in humility, poverty, and charity.
Help me to love all creation and seek peace among all people.
Pray for me, that I may become a faithful disciple
and attain eternal life. Amen.
To St. Clare and All Franciscan Saints
Holy Saints of the Franciscan family,
intercede for me, that I may live the Gospel with courage and joy. Amen.
Step 6: Act of Charity (Strongly Recommended)
In the spirit of St. Francis:
Forgive someone
Give alms
Serve the poor
Show mercy
This fulfills the decree’s call to active charity and peace
Step 7: Closing Prayer
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith.
Through the intercession of St. Francis,
purify my soul and draw me closer to You.
May I live as a pilgrim of hope
and attain the grace of Heaven.
Amen.
Final Encouragement
This devotion is not merely a ritual—it is a call to transformation.
The Church urges us:
To imitate St. Francis
To become “models of holiness”
To live mercy, peace, and evangelical simplicity