JUBILEE YEAR OF ST. FRANCIS EVENTS

To celebrate the Jubilee Year of St. Francis, Franciscan Schools Australia (a ministry of the OFM Friars and Missionary Franciscan Sisters Australia), invite all members and friends of Catholic Religious Australia to be involved in the following events:

• Franciscan Spirit Symposium (17 - 18 July 2026, Brisbane): This 2-day Symposium will feature international Franciscan scholars William Short OFM and Paul Rout OFM, together with Stephen Bliss OFM, Provincial Minister Australia and New Zealand, and other Franciscan voices to explore faith, spirituality, and the human experience through a Franciscan lens. Program and registration details on the FSA website.

• Franciscan Creative Arts Challenge (Due Date: Feast of St. Francis - 4 October 2026): Students and staff in schools are invited to take part in the 2026 Creative Arts Challenge celebrating the Jubilee Year of Saint Francis. Choose an idea that inspires you from "The Peace Prayer" attributed to St. Francis and interpret it through your chosen medium. Find out more and register a school’s/individual’s intent to enter here.

• Franciscan Advent Awakenings Pilgrims' Retreat (7 -18 Dec 2026, Greccio & Assisi, Italy): In this 2026 Jubilee Year of St. Francis, enter deeply into the sanctity of Advent as we become besotted with the extravagant love of God and God’s love for us, and all of creation. The Franciscan friars who lead this pilgrims’ retreat will ensure an experience with God, and with St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi who lived the Gospels. Approx. $5,500 (on ground only with 14 retreatants). Details can be found here.