30/09/2026
on 29 September, 2026, Catholic Diocese of Islamabad-Rawalpindi with the Franciscan community celebrated 800th Jubilee of the Passing of St. Francis of Assisi with great devotion and enthusiasm. The program brought together the faithful, religious men and women, clergy, and members of the Christian community to commemorate the life, spirituality, and lasting legacy of St. Francis of Assisi.
The program commenced with a welcome and introduction by Fr. Azam Siddique OFM Cap, who formally welcomed the participants and highlighted the significance of the 800th Jubilee celebration.
A welcome presentation of flower bouquet was given by Sr. Rita FMM to the Chief Guest His Grace Archbishop Dr. Joseph Arshad which added a joyful and meaningful beginning to the celebration. This was followed by a children's tableau through which the children beautifully portrayed aspects of the life and spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi.
As part of the jubilee celebrations, the release of the dove symbol took place, representing peace, reconciliation, and the Gospel spirit associated with St. Francis. This was followed by the Jubilee Symbol and Balloon Ceremony, marking the importance of the historic 800th anniversary.
A second tableau on the life and mission of St. Francis helped the participants reflect on the Saint's commitment to Christ, his love for the poor, and his simple and humble way of life.
The Holy Mass was celebrated as the central part of the jubilee program. The introduction to the Holy Mass was given by Fr. Azam Siddique OFM Cap, inviting everyone to participate prayerfully in the Eucharistic celebration.
The Gospel was proclaimed by Fr. Asif John(Vicar General). The highlight of the Eucharistic celebration was the homily delivered by His Grace Archbishop Dr. Joseph Arshad, who reflected deeply on the life and spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi.
In his homily, His Grace highlighted that as the Catholic Diocese of Islamabad-Rawalpindi celebrates the Year of Children, the Universal Catholic Church commemorates the 800th Jubilee of St. Francis of Assisi, whose life continues to inspire Christians through his radical commitment to the Gospel, simplicity, humility, and love of God and creation. On the occasion, His Grace reflected on the remarkable life and witness of St. Francis of Assisi, drawing attention to his decision to leave behind a prestigious, comfortable, and promising life and to embrace poverty, simplicity, humility, and complete dedication to God.
His Grace emphasized that St. Francis did not merely speak about the Gospel but sought to live the Gospel in an authentic and radical manner. By renouncing worldly prestige and material possessions, he became a powerful witness to Christian discipleship and a model of complete trust in God. His life demonstrated that true greatness in the eyes of God is found not in status, wealth, or worldly recognition, but in humility, self-giving, and faithful service.
Reflecting on the Gospel message, His Grace also highlighted that the one who makes himself the least is the one who is given more in the sight of God. He encouraged the faithful to understand Christian greatness through the example of Christ, who calls His followers to humility, service, and selfless love. This message, he noted, is particularly meaningful for those who are called to serve others and to place the needs of the vulnerable before their own comfort and interests.
His Grace particularly highlighted the example of St. Francis for religious men and women. He encouraged consecrated persons to reflect on the saint's spirit of simplicity, poverty, humility, obedience, prayer, and service. The life of St. Francis remains a strong reminder that religious vocation is fundamentally a call to follow Christ faithfully and to become authentic witnesses of the Gospel in the world.
His Grace further reflected on the Feast of the Archangels, drawing attention to their mission and duties in God's plan. The Archangels, as messengers and servants of God, remind the faithful of the importance of obedience, fidelity, protection, and service. Their example invites Christians to recognize that every calling from God carries with it a responsibility to serve faithfully and to participate in His work of love and salvation.
The spirituality of St. Francis, His Grace emphasized, is not limited to religious communities but offers an important message to every Christian. His life calls all believers to detach themselves from excessive concern for worldly possessions and to live with greater love for God, the poor, creation, and one another. In this regard, the witness of St. Francis remains especially relevant today, reminding Christians that the Gospel must not only be proclaimed with words but also demonstrated through the way we live.
At the conclusion of the Holy Mass, a vote of thanks was offered by Sr. Rita FMM. She expressed gratitude to His Grace, the clergy, religious men and women, organizers, participants, and all those who contributed to making the jubilee celebration meaningful and successful.
The formal program concluded with a festive dinner, providing an opportunity for fellowship and fraternity among all the participants.
The celebration of the 800th Jubilee of the Passing of St. Francis of Assisi was a spiritually enriching occasion. Through prayer, Holy Mass, reflections, children's presentations, symbolic ceremonies, and fellowship, the participants were reminded of the enduring relevance of St. Francis' life and spirituality.
