On Sunday, April 19, 2026, the Jubilee Year marking the 800th anniversary of the transitus of St. Francis was inaugurated with a Pontifical Mass at the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, Israel. The Mass was presided over by Friar Francesco IELPO, OFM, Custos of the Holy Land, and was attended by the Most Reverend Rafic NAHRA, Auxiliary Bishop of Jerusalem, Palestine, together with numerous brothers and sisters from various spiritual communities.
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Members of the Franciscan family were present, including the Poor Clares and members of the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS), as well as many families from the parish community, some of whom came from different parts of Galilee to take part in this solemn occasion.
During the Mass, the transitus of St. Francis was proclaimed and beautiful Franciscan hymns were sung. Before the final blessing, a procession moved from the upper basilica to the grotto level, where an altar dedicated to St. Francis had been prepared. The procession was accompanied by the music of the โScoutsโ and their instruments, with all the brothers and sisters participating. The final blessing was given at the Altar of St. Francis; many approached his relic and venerated it.
The Mass was full of joy and hope; it inspired everyone to be instruments of peace, especially in the Holy Land. At the end of the liturgy, those participating enjoyed coffee and sweets together, bringing a fraternal conclusion to this opening of the Jubilee Year of grace in the life of the Franciscan family.
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Gosayna KARAM,
Minister of the local OFS fraternity of Nazareth.
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