An Invitation from Mount St. Francis to Celebrate the Jubilee Year

​The Friars and staff at Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre are extending a special invitation to join them in celebrating the Jubilee Year. When Pope Leo declared the Jubilee in January, he invited all the faithful to make a pilgrimage to a site that honours St. Francis.

Event volunteer Jean-Francois Church is excited to have people gather for the day: “How special that our Pope should decree a brand new Jubilee Year, immediately following last year’s Jubilee on Hope. God loves to surprise us with even more grace!” The Jubilee Year celebrates the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ death. Pope Leo is pointing us to the witness of St. Francis, who brokered peace in the Holy Land, reverenced God in Creation, and preached a life of simplicity and service of those most in need. His example is most relevant for our world today.

The Mount is hosting a special day of celebration on Saturday, August 8, 2026. The day will start with an outdoor Mass at 10:30 and a BBQ lunch by donation. RSVPs are encouraged for the Mass and BBQ and can be done online here.  There will also be opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

In the afternoon, a free Family Festival will be held from 1 to 4 pm, featuring live music by Liz Christensen, Brettyn Rose, and Friar Guylain Prince. Those who come can try their hand at Soapstone Carving, walk the trails, visit the garden, and visit the face-painting tent. Ice cream and snacks will be sold, and there will be several vendors on site for a small market. No registration is required for the afternoon. All are welcome. 

Note that parking will be limited. 

​Those attending are encouraged to park at Cochrane High School and take a free shuttle bus up the hill to the Mount (though walking is possible for those who don’t mind a climb. There will also be bike racks, so people are welcome to ride bikes to the event. “We plan to brave the weather and forge ahead even with some rain,” says executive director Leah Perrault, “but in the unlikely event of very bad weather, announcements will be made on Instagram and Facebook as well as sent to email addresses for anyone who registers.”

A Jubilee year invites a pilgrimage. Br. Brandon Paziuk, one of the Friars at the Mount, invites us all to reflect on the heart of this invitation: “A pilgrimage is a journey to a significant place, but it really isn’t about the journey or the place. It is about the meaning we make as we seek God in the going.” All who come will have the opportunity to deepen their connection with God should they choose to enter into that invitation.

All the event details are available at mountstfrancis.ca/new-and-notable

As always, the Retreat Centre has a full calendar of retreats (which can be found online at mountstfrancis.ca), and all are welcome to join us throughout the coming year.

May this Jubilee Year extend you an opportunity to learn more about St. Francis and be inspired by his heart for finding God in nature, service, simplicity and silence. 

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Submitted by the Jubilee Year Team at Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre, Cochrane.