Year of St. Francis
His Story
Early Life: From Wealth to Restlessness
Francis was born around 1181 in Assisi, the son of a wealthy cloth merchant. His birth name was Giovanni, but his father renamed him “Francesco” (“the Frenchman”) because of his love for French culture.
As a young man, Francis lived a carefree life—enjoying fine clothes, parties, and dreams of becoming a knight. But after being captured in a local war and later falling seriously ill, he began to question his life’s direction.
Spiritual Awakening
One of the defining moments of his life came when he prayed in the crumbling church of San Damiano. He heard a voice from the crucifix saying:
“Francis, rebuild my church, which you see is falling into ruin.”
At first, he took this literally—selling his father’s goods to repair churches. This angered his father, leading to a dramatic break: Francis publicly renounced his family’s wealth and even stripped off his fine clothes, choosing a life of poverty.
A Life of Poverty and Service
Francis began living as a poor man, caring for the sick—especially those with leprosy—and preaching a message of humility, peace, and joy. He attracted followers, and together they formed a simple brotherhood.
This became the foundation of the Franciscan Order, officially recognized by the Pope in 1209.
Love for Nature and Animals
Francis is especially remembered for his deep love of nature. He believed all creatures were brothers and sisters under God.
Famous stories include:
Preaching to birds
Taming a fierce wolf in the town of Gubbio
Calling the sun, moon, and elements his “family”
His poem Canticle of the Sun celebrates the beauty of creation and is one of the earliest works of Italian literature.
Later Life and Stigmata
In 1224, while praying on a mount Laverna , Francis received the stigmata—the wounds of Christ.
Death and Legacy
Francis died in 1226, back in Assisi. Just two years later, he was canonised by Pope Gregory IX.
Today, he is:
The patron saint of animals and the environment
A symbol of peace, humility, and care for the poor
The inspiration behind the name of Pope Francis
Why His Story Still Matters
Saint Francis’s life challenges ideas about wealth, power, and success. He showed that joy can come from simplicity, compassion, and connection—with people, nature, and the divine.
Launching The Year of St Francis at Our Lady of the Angels
The Pope declared 2026 the Year of St Francis - to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi. The Pope has also granted a plenary indulgence to anyone taking part in certain worship - attending mass in a Franciscan church, receiving communion - and going to confession.
To mark this momentous occasion, we have organized a series of events for the rest of the year and there is something for everyone.
Every family will receive a booklet with all the details - but the highlights are:
- 14th June - the animal blessing (St Francis was a great lover of animals and nature)
- 1st August - 26th September - we have nine Novena themes based on Franciscan themes including a double exhibition, combining the Relics of the Franciscan Saints and the Eucharistic Miracles designed by Saint Carlos Acutis. We have guest speakers at every Mass and a way for everyone to take part if you wish to.
- 3rd October, 5.30pm Mass only - the special liturgy of the Transitus (marking the actual date of St Francis’ passing from this world to the next).
- 4th October, 10.30am mass - Mass of St Francis (Archbishop John Wilson).
Our St Francis Committee have been working really hard since January to put this all together so we hope you will support these events - you are welcome at one or all of them. We will remind you as each event comes up.
Please take a booklet with all the details - and keep it safe. There is also an especially designed prayer card for every adult and bookmark for every child - with the Peace Prayer of St Francis.
2026 marks the 800th anniversary of St Francis of Assisi's death in 1226.
Pope Leo XIV declared that it will be a special Year of St Francis in which we are all called to become saints in our world, following St Francis' example. We are called to model a holiness of life and witness to peace
Pope Leo has said:
"This Year of St Francis spurs all of us, each according to our possibilities to imitate the poor man of Assisi, to form ourselves as far as possible on the model of Christ... may the hope that has seen us as pilgrims now be transformed into zeal and fervour of active charity."
The Year runs from 10 January 2026, the closing of the Jubilee Year "Pilgrims of Hope", until 10 January 2027.
Franciscan Parish BBQ – Sunday 5th July 12-4:30 pm -Join us for our annual Franciscan Parish BBQ on Sunday 5th July from 12 noon, following the 10:30am Mass. We warmly invite parishioners, families, and friends to come together for an afternoon of food, entertainment, and fellowship. There will be something for everyone, including food stalls featuring burgers, Indian, Filipino, Ghanaian, and Nigerian cuisine, together with music, a tombola, fairground games, a bouncy castle, glitter face painting, an ice cream van, a Pimm's and beer tent, soft drinks, tea, and cakes.
Early Bird Tickets
Adults: £5
Children: £3
Family (2 adults and up to 4 children): £20
Tickets on the Day
Adults: £6
Children: £4
Family: £22
To help us with planning and to guarantee entry, please purchase your tickets in advance.
How You Can Help
Tombola Donations
We would be grateful for donations of new and unused items such as bottles, sweets, toiletries, and gifts. Donation boxes are available at the back of the church. Please bring donations by Friday 3rd July.
Volunteers
Volunteers are needed throughout the day to assist with setting up, refreshments, games, and clearing away. If you can help, even for a short period, please leave your details with one of the Friars or contact the Parish Office.
Gazebos and Outdoor Seating
If you can loan or donate a gazebo, sun umbrella, or garden chairs, please speak to the brothers or contact the Parish Office on 01322 444962.
Entertainment and Activities
Adults and children are invited to sign up for the fun games. Please see the posters and speak to the ticket sellers at the back of the church for further details.
Musicians and singers are also welcome to perform on the day. If you would like to take part, please contact the Parish Office, the Social Team, or Sabrina on 07718 945434.
Access and Parking
Access to the BBQ will be via Carlton Road/Friary Gate ONLY.
Parking is available in the Angelus Centre car park; however, entry to the BBQ from the car park will not be possible.
There will be no parking in front of the Friary, except for Blue Badge holders.
What to Bring
Please bring sun cream, hats, folding chairs, or picnic blankets. The chairs in the Angelus Centre are for indoor use only.
You are also welcome to bring reusable takeaway containers for any extra food purchased.
Safeguarding
Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times, particularly when using the toilet facilities in the Angelus Centre.
We look forward to welcoming you for what promises to be a wonderful day of fun, food, and community spirit.