Repertoire, Spirituality

St Francis of Assisi: 2026 Jubilee Year & His Legacy

An Illustration of Saint Francis of Assisi with the Animals

St Francis: A Saint for Our Time and a Jubilee for the World

The Church has always turned to St Francis of Assisi in moments when the world needs clarity, compassion, and renewal. In declaring 2026 a Special Jubilee Year of Saint Francis, Pope Leo XIV invites Catholics everywhere to rediscover the saint whose life continues to illuminate the Gospel with extraordinary simplicity and joy. This Jubilee is a moment of grace for parishes, schools, religious communities, and all who seek a deeper encounter with Christ through the Franciscan spirit of peace, humility, and care for creation.

The year ahead is not simply a commemoration of a beloved saint. It is a call to conversion—personal, communal, and ecological—rooted in the witness of a man who dared to live the Gospel without compromise.    

The Life of St Francis

Born in 1181/82 in Assisi, Francis grew up in comfort and privilege. Yet beneath the surface of his youthful exuberance was a longing for something more. A profound encounter with Christ led him to renounce wealth and status, embracing instead a life of radical poverty, service, and fraternity.

His spirituality was shaped by:

  • Joyful simplicity, freeing the heart for God

  • Deep humility, expressed in service to the poor

  • Reverence for creation, seeing all creatures as brothers and sisters

  • A burning desire to imitate Christ, especially in His poverty and compassion

Francis founded the Order of Friars Minor, inspired the Poor Clares, and sparked a lay movement that continues to flourish. His life became a living proclamation of the Gospel—one that still resonates across cultures and centuries.

What St Francis Stood For

Radical Poverty and Trust in God

Francis believed that true freedom comes from letting go. His poverty was not deprivation but liberation—a way of making space for God and neighbour.

Peace and Reconciliation

He crossed battle lines during the Crusades to meet the Sultan, choosing dialogue over violence. His greeting, “Pace e bene” (Peace and all good), remains a Franciscan hallmark.

Care for Creation

Francis saw creation as a family of interconnected gifts. His Canticle of the Creatures is one of the earliest and most beautiful hymns of ecological praise.

Compassion for the Marginalised

He embraced lepers, comforted the poor, and recognised Christ in the forgotten.

Joyful Discipleship

Francis lived the Gospel with radiant joy, reminding us that holiness is creative, hopeful, and deeply human.

The Enduring Legacy of St Francis

Eight centuries later, Francis continues to inspire:

  • Pope Francis, whose papacy is shaped by Franciscan themes

  • Environmental movements, especially the spirituality of Laudato Si’

  • Peacemaking initiatives across the world

  • Communities of simplicity, service, and prayer

  • Artists, musicians, and educators who draw from his creativity and compassion

His legacy transcends denominational boundaries. People of all faiths—and none—recognise in Francis a model of humility, tenderness, and universal fraternity.

The 2026 Special Jubilee Year of Saint Francis

Pope Leo XIV’s declaration of the Special Jubilee Year of Saint Francis invites the global Church into a year of renewal shaped by Franciscan values. Parishes, schools, and organisations are encouraged to:

  • Celebrate Francis’ life and teachings

  • Deepen their commitment to peace, justice, and ecological care

  • Engage in acts of mercy and service

  • Foster a culture of encounter and fraternity

  • Pray with Franciscan texts, symbols, and devotions

This Jubilee is an opportunity to rediscover the Gospel through Francis’ eyes and to allow his spirit to animate our mission in a world longing for hope.

Music for the Jubilee Year: Hymns and Songs for Parishes, Schools, and Communities

Music has always been central to Franciscan spirituality. The following curated list includes Australian compositions, international favourites, and thematic songs that reflect the heart of St Francis. All links lead directly to resources available through Willow Publishing.

Australian Compositions Inspired by St Francis

 

International Titles Linked to St Francis

 

Songs Thematically Aligned with Franciscan Spirituality

 

Creation and the Beauty of God’s World

 

Peace, Justice, and Reconciliation

 

Why St Francis Still Speaks to Us Today

In a world marked by division, ecological crisis, and spiritual fatigue, Francis offers a path forward:

  • Live simply

  • Love generously

  • Seek peace

  • Honour creation

  • See Christ in every person

 

The Jubilee Year of Saint Francis is not only a celebration of the past but a call to shape the future—a future rooted in mercy, humility, and the joyful freedom of the Gospel. As we journey through 2026, may the spirit of St Francis awaken in us a renewed desire to follow Christ with courage, tenderness, and hope.