Christianity Around The World
Jubilee Year Of St. Francis Brings Rare Relic, Historic Art To San Francisco
From Catholic News Agency · October 21, 2026
From October 16 to November 28, 2026, the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in San Francisco is hosting an exhibit to celebrate the Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi and the 250th anniversary of Mission Dolores. The exhibit includes a first-class relic of the blood of St. Francis, which according to the article, has been guarded by Franciscan friars in La Verna, Italy, for 800 years.
Visitors can view several art pieces, including Dono Doni’s "Stigmata of Saint Francis" and a painting of the veil of St. Clare. The event is organized by several groups, including the Knights of St. Francis of Assisi, the Archdiocese of San Francisco, and the Benedict XVI Institute. The exhibit also features models of the 21 California missions and an illuminated manuscript of the "Canticle of the Creatures."
The Jubilee Year was proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV to run from January 10, 2026, to January 10, 2027. In San Francisco, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone has designated specific locations for pilgrimages related to the jubilee.
A Note From The Quantum Disciple: Part of this story does not align with what the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) teaches from Scripture. We encourage you to study these passages for yourself.
Invocation of Saints and Relic Veneration: The story highlights a Jubilee Year dedicated to St. Francis and the display of his blood as a first-class relic. The LCMS confesses that there is only one Mediator, Jesus Christ, and that we should not invoke or honor saints, nor venerate their relics, as this detracts from the worship due to God alone. Read 1 Timothy 2:5; Revelation 22:8–9.
Papal Authority and Catholic Practice: The article reports that the Jubilee Year was proclaimed by the Pope and involves pilgrimages designated by the Archbishop. The LCMS rejects the authority of the Pope over the church and views such Catholic liturgical practices and structures as contrary to the Gospel, which is proclaimed by all believers without a human head. Read Matthew 23:8–10.
A factual summary prepared by The Quantum Disciple. The original report belongs to its publisher.