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.
Our Academic Convocation on September 24, 2026, kicks off Siena University's celebration of this centenary. Please join us in the UHY Center to celebrate 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 of a Lifetime.
4:30 p.m. Procession begins
4:50 p.m. Ceremony begins
6:00 p.m. Summer Research Symposium and Reception in the Quad
All Siena faculty, administrators, and staff are welcome to participate in the processional. Regalia is required, and community members are welcome to rent regalia through the Siena bookstore free of charge. Regalia orders must be submitted to the store by Friday, August 7th, to allow enough time for the vendor to put together and ship the order to the store.
If you ordered rental regalia from the bookstore before, you will already be in the system, and they do not need any additional information from you. Just call or email the bookstore to place your order at (518)783-2346 or email Rob Calhoun at rcalhoun@siena.edu.
If you have not ordered rental regalia from the bookstore before, they will need the following information: Highest Degree Earned, Subject, Institution, City of Institution, Height, Cap-size (Or a measurement in inches, if you do not know your cap size). Please contact the bookstore with any questions.
Accessible seating information: The UHY Center offers plenty of options for guests who need accessible seating options. If you have mobility concerns and need accessible seating, please email academicaffairs@siena.edu. Ushers will be available at Convocation to help direct you toward accessible seating options.
As the date gets closer, please check back here for additional processional information. Thank you!