Irish Franciscans have welcomed the announcement of the jubilee year of St Francis a chance to renew a Gospel based life and share Francis’ message of peace and mercy. Fr Eugene Barrett OFM, in Rossnowlagh, Co. Donegal, said the community was “delighted” and “pleasantly surprised” by the news, coming so soon after the Jubilee of Hope, and hopes to mark it pastorally amid the summer influx of visitors.
Dublin Capuchin Bro. Richard Hendrick said Francis’ call to “rebuild the church” remains urgent: “Work is always needed… men and women who give themselves completely to the gospel… in compassion.” He added that Francis centred his spirituality on the mysteries of the Incarnation, the Eucharist and the Cross, constantly recalling the Church to Christ.
Across Franciscan churches and friaries, pilgrims will be able to seek jubilee graces through the usual conditions of sacramental confession, prayer for the Pope’s intentions, and time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
