Why Observe A Jubilee Year in the Footsteps of St. Francis?

by Fr. Marek Stybor, OFM Conv.

CNSA President in Turn

Fr. Marek Stybor, OFM Conv.
CNSA President in Turn

Brother Masseo, wanting to see how humble St. Francis was, went up to him and, as if joking, said, ‘Why after you, why after you, why after you?’

Masseo then clarified, “I’m asking why the whole world comes after you, and everyone seems to want to see and hear you? You aren’t a handsome man, you aren’t someone of great learning, and you’re not noble; so why does the whole world come after you?”

Francis answered that God chose him for his unworthiness and insufficiency to show His mercy.” (Little Flowers of St. Francis)

We often talk about St. Francis, who lived 800 years ago and still inspires people to follow the Gospel today.

St. Francis is called “another Christ,” and his life was like that of Jesus. St. Francis resembles Jesus, which is why his message is so inspiring and timeless.

From St. Francis, we can learn

  • Everyone has a mission in life. When he was dying, he said, “I have done my part; may the Lord teach you yours.” Everyone has a personal mission to discover.
  • Francis found a fascinating paradox in the Gospel: to shine brightest, you must be the smallest. To be a light for others, you must first walk in the shadows. To truly give, you must have nothing—you must empty yourself completely. As Francis often said, “Hold nothing for yourself, that He who gives Himself totally may receive you totally.” When Francis was wounded and marked with the stigmata of Jesus, he could heal others’ wounds in a way that went beyond words. The stigmata were his secrets and a testament to his conformity with Christ.
  • Francis was a peacemaker. To keep your heart at peace, you need to embrace both the spirituality of failure and the spirituality of powerlessness.
  • Francis showed us how to look at the cross. The Cross reminds us that winning isn’t everything. The Christian journey is always a journey from Friday to Sunday. For Francis, the Cross was the best medicine for the spiritual wounds of our souls.

So, why do we celebrate the Year of St. Francis? Why do we need this year? The Jubilee Year of Hope has passed, but God’s love and mercy are always here. This is why the Holy Father was inspired by the Holy Spirit to continue this time of grace as we explore the mystery of God through the eyes of St. Francis of Assisi.

Fr. Jerome Wolbert, OFM
National Spiritual Assistant

St Francis writes that to see lepers was too “bitter” for him, but the Lord led him among lepers, and after he showed them mercy, “what was bitter was changed to sweetness.”

This is perhaps, in Francis’ words, why Pope Leo invites us to celebrate a Year of Francis with peace and humility.

The greatest consternation of man is not what is outside, but rather what we choose in our hearts.

Jesus tells us that what we eat doesn’t make us unclean, but rather what we say and do reveals the uncleanness within.

Pope Leo is inviting each of us to allow the Lord to lead us where we would rather not go, to embrace those we would rather not embrace, and thereby to be healed of our bitterness so that we can bring something sweet and healing to those we live among.

Jane DeRose-Bamman
National Minister

I was drawn to his love for God’s creation and care for the poor. He brought Christ’s peace to each person he encountered. Francis of Assisi showed us that humans can take Jesus’ Gospel message to heart and follow Him.

It was a radical message in the 1200s and in many ways still is today. What a gift from God!

On his deathbed, St. Francis told his brothers to figure out what is theirs to do in following Jesus. During this Year of Saint Francis, may we all be inspired to figure what is ours to do in applying the message of Jesus Christ each day.