Summary
A Jubilee Year has begun in Ávila, Spain, to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi’s passing. The official opening took place on February 15 at 12 noon with a solemn Eucharist in the Convent of San Antonio, presided over by Cardinal Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Blázquez. This Jubilee Year is organized by the Franciscan family and marks several years of remembrance for Saint Francis’s life, culminating in his passing understood as the transition “from this world to the hands of the Father.” The celebration aims at spiritual renewal and rediscovering the Franciscan charism, centered on following the Gospel, fraternity, and humility. Key activities planned include a cycle of conferences on Saint Francis’s figure and figures associated with the Franciscan tradition in Ávila such as Saint Peter of Alcántara and Saint Peter Baptist, an exhibition featuring works by José Benlliure, and a march through significant Franciscan sites. The Jubilee Year emphasizes values like simplicity, fraternity, and care for the needy.
Key Topics
Ávila, Saint Francis of Assisi, Franciscan Order
