Newsletter - October 4th
Celebrating St. Francis of Assisi:
800th anniversary of his Transitus
Dear Parishioners,
This Sunday, 4th October 2026, we celebrate the beautiful Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. This year’s celebration carries a profound, historic weight: we are currently in the midst of an extraordinary Franciscan Jubilee Year.
Proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV and running from 10th January 2026 until 10th January 2027, he has invited all the faithful to look to the Poor Man of Assisi as a timeless guide, prompting us to transform our hope into active charity and become true "models of holiness of life and constant witnesses of peace".
As part of this Jubilee Year of Grace, a Plenary Indulgence has been granted by the Apostolic Penitentiary by the will of the Holy Father (1). The faithful may obtain this indulgence (either for themselves or for the souls in Purgatory) under the following conditions: Make a pious pilgrimage to any Franciscan community, conventual church or designated place of worship dedicated to St. Francis. Fulfil the usual sacramental conditions: Sacramental confession, reception of Holy Communion, and offering prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father. Maintain complete detachment from sin, dedicating time to reflect on Franciscan spirituality, humility, and peace.
The Decree also ensures that our elderly, sick, and housebound parishioners are fully included in this grace. Those who cannot leave their homes for serious reasons can still receive the Plenary Indulgence. They can do this by spiritually joining the Jubilee celebrations from home and offering their prayers, sufferings, or daily hardships to God.
The true blessing of an indulgence comes when we open our hearts to God’s transforming power, letting Him heal our relationships and renew our faith. An indulgence isn’t "religious magic"; it is an invitation into a living relationship with God. Instead of trying to earn His mercy, we simply accept it as a gift. God always takes the first step and our role is to respond with open hearts, generosity and faith.
Let us use this historic feast day to look outward, committing ourselves anew to caring for the poor, protecting our common home and joyfully proclaiming the Gospel by our lives.
Reference: Decree of the Apostolic Penitentiary on the occasion of the Eight Centenary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, by which
a special Jubilee Year is proclaimed with associated Plenary
Indulgences- 16th January 2026.
Caterina Schifon0
Focus of the week
SRI LANKAN FUND RAISING EVENING
Saturday 17 October 2026
6.30pm
All proceeds go to the Parish of Christ the King
Tickets £25
Includes Sri Lankan food, live music, cultural show, raffle.
On sale from the Parish Office.
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