Jubilee Year for the 800th of the
Death of Saint Francis of Assisi
WELCOME PILGRIMS
The Lowell Center of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist rejoices in the designation of this Center as a jubilee site for the celebration of the 800th Anniversary of the Death of Saint Francis of Assisi. Your response to the announcement of yet another Jubilee year and the opportunity to obtain a plenary indulgence by your visit here is also an opportunity to respond to the challenge of the Decree of the Apostolic Penitentiary “to become saints in the contemporary world” and true pilgrims.
You are also encouraged to avail yourselves of the Chapel of the Annunciation for private prayer. All during the year, first class relics of both St. Francis and St. Clare will be in the chapel. The chapels hours are Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.
At the end Francis was carried back to the Portiuncula.
“Never,” he cried… never give up this place.” And the procession passed under the arches of his home; and he lay down on his bed and his brethren gathered round him for the last long vigil…
What was passing from the world was a person/a poet; an outlook on life like a light that was never after on sea or land; a thing not to be replaced or repeated while the earth endures.
Francis of Assisi, G.K. Chesterton, p. 146
The Plenary Indulgence is granted under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion, and prayer according to the intentions of the Holy Father) to all the faithful who, with a heart detached from sin, participate in the Year of Saint Francis by visiting a designated Franciscan place of worship, and there devoutly follow the Jubilee rites or spend at least a reasonable period of time in pious meditation and raise prayer to God so that, following the example of Saint Francis, feelings of Christian charity towards their neighbors and authentic vows of harmony and peace among peoples may spring forth in their hearts, concluding with the Our Father, the Creed, and invocations to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Clare, and all the saints of the Franciscan family.
Jubilee Events and Presentations at the Franciscan Life Process Center
The Diocese of Grand Rapids Presents ‘Restoring Connection,’ A new documentary on the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist
The Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist have been a beloved presence in the Diocese of Grand Rapids for over 50 years, and a new documentary explores their mission, charism and the ministries they offer at the Franciscan Life Process Center.
Entitles “Restoring Connection: Lessons from the Franciscan Life Process Center,” the documentary was produced by the diocese to celebrate the Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi, under whose patronage the sisters joyfully serve. Guided by the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, this film takes us on a reflective journey to contemplate the goodness of God’s creation and the dignity of being human. In a culture that is growing ever more distracted by modern technology and the temptations of the world, the story of St. Francis and the witness of the Sisters meets us where we are and points us to how we can live the life we are made for.
The documentary premieres Nov. 14 at the Franciscan Life Process Center, Lowell Campus, with serval screenings to follow. To watch a trailer for the film, and for the latest updates on screenings, click here