The year 2026 is observed as the Jubilee Year of Saint Francis, running from January 10, 2026, to January 10, 2027. Proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV, this special year marks the 800th anniversary of the saint's passing (Transitus) which occurred on October 3, 1226.
The Holy Father has offered this prayer for the occasion:
Saint Francis, our brother, you who eight hundred years ago
went to meet Sister Death as a man at peace,
intercede for us before the Lord.
You recognized true peace in the Crucifix of San Damiano,
teach us to seek in Him the source of all reconciliation
that breaks down every wall.
You who, unarmed, crossed the lines of war
and misunderstanding,
give us the courage to build bridges
where the world raises up boundaries.
In this time afflicted by conflict and division,
intercede for us so that we may become peacemakers:
unarmed and disarming witnesses of the peace that comes from Christ.
Amen
Throughout the academic year, we will feature upcoming events for our Jubilee Year of St. Francis. Visit this page to see what's next!
Academic Convocation
On September 24, 2026, Siena University kicks off our celebration of this centenary. Please join us in the UHY Center to celebrate the start of a new academic year and the 800th anniversary of the death of Francis of Assisi: Artist of Life. This event will feature a keynote from Brother William Short, OFM, entitled The Siena Testament of St. Francis: A Greeting from the Past to Bless our Future. Together, we will discuss Francis of Assisi, Artist of Life and his connection to Siena's Education for a Lifetime.
SCHEDULE
4:30 p.m. Please be seated to welcome the procession into the UHY.
6:00 p.m. Summer Research Symposium and Reception in the Quad
Procession Information
Section 12 classes (4:20 p.m. - 5:50 p.m.) have been canceled Thursday, September 24, 2026, and offices will close at 4 p.m. to facilitate the participation of all Siena community members.
Siena community members are encouraged to participate in the processional in regalia and should meet at the assembly points listed below no later than 4:00 p.m. Marshals will be available to assist.
Procession assembly points:
Friars - Walkway in front of Lonnstrom Dining Hall.
School of Liberal Arts Faculty - Assemble on the sidewalk between the Library and Plassmann Hall.
School of Science Faculty - Assemble along the walkway in front of the Library facing south (behind the School of Liberal Arts)
School of Business Faculty - Assemble along the walkway in front of Roger Bacon (heading toward the library). Line up behind the School of Science.
Library Faculty - Assemble along the walkway in front of Roger Bacon (behind the School of Business)
Administrators and Staff - Assemble behind the library faculty in front of Roger Bacon.
All other Siena community members who are not processing should go directly to the UHY Center and be seated by 4:30 pm. Ushers will be on site to help with seating. A community-wide Welcome Back Reception and the Summer Research Symposium will immediately follow the ceremony on the Academic Quad (rain location: inside the MAC).
Questions? Email Sam Smith at shesler@siena.edu.