Nationwide Pilgrimage of the Relic of St. Francis of Assisi

The Inter-Franciscan Ministers Conference of the Philippines, on the occasion of the 8th Centenary of the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi, organized the nationwide pilgrimage of the relic of St. Francis of Assisi. The pilgrimage was officially launched on May 26, 2026, at the Basilica Minore di San Pedro Bautista in San Francisco del Monte, Quezon City.

At around 3:00 p.m., the Rite of Reception of the Relic of St. Francis of Assisi began. The OFM Conventual friars, together with the members of YouFra SAP, led by Fra Dennis Vargas, OFMConv., Provincial Custos, solemnly brought the relic into the Basilica. At the main entrance, Friar Fernando B. Radin Jr., OFM, Parish Priest and Rector of the Basilica, together with the OFM friars, formally received the relic.

The Holy Mass followed and was presided over by Fra Dennis. In his homily, he emphasized the simplicity of the reception and welcome rites, reflecting the humility and simplicity for which St. Francis is known. He also reminded the faithful that the pilgrimage is not merely an opportunity to venerate a relic but an invitation to encounter St. Francis more deeply through his life and example. Members of the Franciscan Family, both religious and lay faithful, attended the launching ceremony.

The relic, consisting of bone fragments of St. Francis, is encased in glass and mounted on a wooden bust of the saint. It will travel to different parts of the country until January 10, 2027, marking the conclusion of the Jubilee Year commemorating the 8th Centenary of the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi.