LA Archdiocese Commemorates Jubilee Year Honoring Saint Francis of Assisi

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles will commemorate the special Jubilee Year marking the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. This observance, proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV, will run through January 10, 2027.

In his recent Angelus column, Archbishop José H. Gomez said, “We are preparing here for our observance of this Jubilee, working with the many Franciscan communities, parishes, religious houses, and other institutions. This Jubilee is also fitting because we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding and the 495th anniversary of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s appearances at Tepeyac. So this will be a special time of grace for all of us to reflect on the deep Franciscan roots of our country and our Church.”

As part of this observance, Archbishop Gomez has designated multiple churches and sacred sites across Southern California as official pilgrimage destinations. The faithful are encouraged to take part in pilgrimages, prayer services, and community activities throughout the year. Those who meet the usual spiritual conditions may also receive a plenary indulgence, a longstanding Catholic practice associated with spiritual renewal and conversion.

The following sites have been identified as key pilgrimage locations for the Jubilee Year:

Santa Barbara Region

• Saint Mark’s University Catholic Church – 6550 Picasso Road, Isla Vista, California 93117
• Saint Francis of Assisi Church – 1048 W. Ventura Street, Filmore, California 93015
• Old Mission Santa Barbara – 2201 Laguna Street, Santa Barbara, California 93105
• Mission Santa Inés – 1760 Mission Drive, Solvang, California 93463
• Poor Clare Monastery – 215 E Los Olivos St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

San Fernando Region

• Poverello of Assisi Retreat Center – 1519 Woodworth Street, San Fernando, California 91340
• Provincial House & Chapel (Glory to God) – 13367 Borden Avenue, Sylmar, California 91342
• Mother Gertrude Balcazar Home – 11320 Laurel Canyon Boulevard, San Fernando, California 91340
• Poor Clare Missionary Sisters – 13026 Angeles Trail Way, Kagel Canyon, California 91342

Our Lady of the Angels Region

• Saint Francis of Assisi Church – 1523 Golden Gate Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90026
• Saint Lawrence of Brindisi Church – 10122 Compton Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90002
• Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels – 555 W Temple Street, Los Angeles, California 90012
  

San Gabriel Region

• Mission San Gabriel Arcángel – 429 South Junipero Serra Drive, San Gabriel, CA 91776
• San Francisco de Asís Church – 4800 E. Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90022
  

San Pedro Region

• Our Lady of Guadalupe Church – 440 Massey Avenue, Hermosa Beach, California 90254

The Jubilee Year offers opportunities for prayer, reflection, community engagement, and charitable initiatives inspired by St. Francis, who is widely known for his witness of simplicity, care for the poor, and reverence for creation.

Parishes and ministries across the Archdiocese are encouraged to mark the Jubilee Year through service projects, prayer gatherings, and outreach to those in need. Through these efforts, the faithful are invited to renew their commitment to living the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the spirit of St. Francis — serving others with compassion, promoting peace, and caring for creation.

For more information visit: https://lacatholics.org/year-of-st-francis/

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