Jubilee Year of St. Francis brings rare relic, historic art to San Francisco

To celebrate the Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi and the 250th anniversary of Misión San Francisco de Asís — a historic Catholic Church in San Francisco also known as Mission Dolores — the Knights of St. Francis of Assisi along with the Archdiocese of San Francisco, the national Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi, the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, and the Benedict XVI Institute are hosting a rare exhibit .

From Oct. 16 to Nov. 28, the public is invited to visit San Francisco’s Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption to view a special relic of St. Francis, pieces of art, and models of the historic 21 missions in California, and to pray before an illuminated manuscript of the “Canticle of the Creatures” commissioned by the Benedict XVI Institute.

The relic available to venerate is a first-class relic of St. Francis’ blood taken from the side wound of the stigmata he received, which is kept in La Verna, Italy. After experiencing a visitation from a crucified angel on Sept. 14, 1224, St. Francis developed wounds in his hands, feet, and side. The Franciscan friars of La Verna have guarded St. Francis’ blood for 800 years.

The art pieces in the exhibit include Dono…