A special moment of grace marked the 21st Quinquennial Congress of the Secular Franciscan Order on Saturday, Aug. 1, as His Excellency, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, joined hundreds of Secular Franciscans gathered in Lexington, Kentucky.

Representing the Holy Father, Archbishop Caccia conveyed an Apostolic Blessing from Pope Leo XIV to all those attending the Congress. The blessing served as a powerful reminder of the Holy Father’s spiritual closeness to the Secular Franciscans of the United States and their vocation to live the Gospel in the spirit of St. Francis.

Archbishop Caccia also celebrated Mass, offering participants the opportunity to gather around the Eucharistic table in thanksgiving and prayer.

Videos of the blessing and homily can be viewed at https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/updates-from-the-q-july-29th-through-august-1st-2026/

The presence of the Apostolic Nuncio made this year’s Quinquennial Congress especially memorable. His participation underscored the importance of the Secular Franciscan vocation within the life of the Church and strengthened the bonds between the Holy See and the Secular Franciscan Order in the United States.

Attendees carried with them the Holy Father’s blessing and a renewed commitment to be instruments of peace and hope in their fraternities, parishes, and communities.