Pope Leo XIV has declared 2026 a special Jubilee Year in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. In response, the Diocese of Richmond has named St. Clare of Assisi Retreat Center as an approved pilgrimage site for this sacred celebration marking the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’s death. Between January 10, 2026 and January 10, 2027, pilgrims may visit our sacred grounds to receive a Plenary Indulgence under the usual conditions.
The Board of Directors at St. Clare of Assisi Retreat Center is thrilled and deeply humbled by this designation as an official pilgrimage site. This recognition invites the faithful to experience the spiritual richness of pilgrimage right here in Hampton, Virginia. We are planning special open house days throughout the Jubilee Year, coordinated with Franciscan saints’ feast days. Dates and details will be announced soon!
What is a Jubilee Year? A Jubilee Year is a special time of grace in the Church, marked by pilgrimage, prayer, and the opportunity to receive a Plenary Indulgence. This particular Jubilee Year celebrates the life and witness of St. Francis of Assisi, whose radical love for Christ, care for creation, and embrace of poverty continue to inspire millions.
As defined in the Code of Canon Law and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, an indulgence is “a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven.” (Can. 992; CCC 1471).
An indulgence removes the temporal punishment (consequences) for sins that have already been forgiven by God.
Think of it this way: When you sin and go to Confession, God forgives the sin itself (the guilt), but there are still consequences or “debts” that need to be paid—either in this life through prayer and penance, or after death in Purgatory. An indulgence wipes away those consequences.
Our Father, who art in heaven; hallowed be Thy name; They kingdom come; Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. Amen.
I believe in God,
the Father almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried;
he descended into hell;
on the third day he rose again from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty;
from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.
Amen.
To the Blessed Virgin Mary:
To St. Francis of Assisi:
To St. Clare:
To All Saints of the Franciscan Family:
as written by Pope Leo XIV for the Jubilee Year of St. Francis
Saint Francis, our brother, you who eight hundred years ago went to meet Sister Death as a man at peace, intercede for us before the Lord.
You recognized true peace in the Crucifix of San Damiano, teach us to seek in Him the source of all reconciliation that breaks down every wall.
You who, unarmed, crossed the lines of war and misunderstanding, give us the courage to build bridges where the world raises up boundaries.
In this time afflicted by conflict and division, intercede for us so that we may become peacemakers: unarmed and disarming witnesses of the peace that comes from Christ.
Amen
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