St. Francis of Assisi

Sunday, October 4, 202627th Sunday in Ordinary Time; his memorial is not kept this year

St. Francis bends toward a flock of birds gathered on the ground under a tree. — Giotto, *St. Francis Preaching to the Birds*, about 1297 to 1299, Upper Basilica, Assisi. Public domain.

Francis gave up his family’s wealth, lived in poverty and founded the Franciscans. He died in 1226, 800 years ago, and this is the Jubilee Year of St. Francis.

October 4 is a Sunday this year, so the Sunday Mass replaces his memorial (USCCB 2026 calendar). Parishes still mark the day, some on Saturday, and a parish named for him may keep its patronal feast.

The Jubilee Year

Pope Leo XIV opened a Year of St. Francis for the 800th anniversary of his death. During the Year of St. Francis, through January 10, 2027, the Church grants a plenary indulgence for a pilgrimage visit to a Franciscan church or a church dedicated to St. Francis, spending time there in prayer for charity and peace and closing with the Our Father, the Creed and prayers to Mary, St. Francis, St. Clare and the saints of the Franciscan family. The usual conditions apply (confession, Communion, a prayer for the pope’s intentions, and being free of attachment to any sin, even venial). The sick, the elderly and those who care for them can gain it at home by uniting their prayers and sufferings to the Jubilee, intending to meet the usual conditions as soon as they can.

Sources: Apostolic Penitentiary decree, 2026; Pope Leo XIV, letter for the centenary.

How to Celebrate the Feast

Celebrate Sunday Mass on his day. Find Mass times
Blessing of the animals: people bring their pets for a short blessing. Find one near you below.
The Canticle of the Creatures, his hymn to “Brother Sun” and “Sister Moon.” Families can pray or sing it together at home or at church. Print the Canticle
Pray for someone named for him. If you know someone named for St. Francis of Assisi, pray for them and send them a text on his feast day.

Near you

Choose your diocese:

Archdiocese of Seattle

Includes Vancouver, Wash.

Mass times in the Archdiocese of Seattle

Special events

Blessing of the petsSt. John the Evangelist SeattleSun, Oct 4, noonIn the courtyard, until 12:30 p.m. Dogs leashed; other animals in carriers.
Pet blessingSt. Joseph SeattleSun, Oct 4, 1:00 p.m.
Pet blessingSt. Therese SeattleMon, Oct 5, 3:00 p.m.
Parish family pet blessingNW Seattle Catholic Parish Family SeattleSun, Oct 4, 1:30 p.m.At the Our Lady of Fatima parking lot. Bring your furry and feathered friends; stuffies are welcome too.
Blessing of the animalsHoly Innocents DuvallSun, Oct 4, noonAt the church doors. Pets on a leash or secured.
Blessing of the animalsSt. Jude RedmondSun, Oct 4, 1:00 p.m.In the driveway by the parish office. Pets leashed, in a kennel or secured.
Blessing of the animalsSt. Francis of Assisi BurienSun, Oct 4, 3:00 p.m.In front of the church, closing a feast day celebration that starts at 11:00 a.m.
Pet blessingSt. Vincent de Paul Federal WaySun, Oct 4, 3:00 p.m.In the church courtyard. Pets leashed, crated or restrained.

Churches named for St. Francis

St. Francis of Assisi Burien

Did we miss something? Let us know

Seattle calendar

Archdiocese of Portland

Mass times in the Archdiocese of Portland

Special events

Pet blessingSt. Juan Diego PortlandSun, Oct 4, 2:15 to 3:00 p.m.
Blessing of the animalsSt. Anthony WaldportSun, Oct 4, after the 10:00 a.m. MassNear the parish hall entrance.

Churches named for St. Francis