Pakistan Catholic Community Marks 800th Jubilee of St. Francis with Call to Gospel Simplicity

The Catholic Diocese of Islamabad-Rawalpindi and the Franciscan community marked the 800th Jubilee of the Passing of St. Francis of Assisi on September 29, bringing together clergy, religious men and women and members of the Christian community for a celebration centered on the saint’s Gospel witness, simplicity and service.

The celebration took place in Pakistan’s capital region and featured children’s presentations, symbolic ceremonies, Holy Mass and fellowship. Fr. Azam Siddique, OFM Cap., welcomed participants and introduced the significance of the jubilee.

Sr. Rita FMM welcomed the chief guest, Archbishop Joseph Arshad of Islamabad-Rawalpindi, with a flower bouquet. Children then presented a tableau depicting aspects of the life and spirituality of St. Francis. A dove was released as a symbol of peace and reconciliation, followed by a Jubilee Symbol and Balloon Ceremony. A second tableau highlighted St. Francis’ commitment to Christ, love for the poor and simple way of life.

The Eucharistic celebration was the center of the program. Fr. Asif John, Vicar General, proclaimed the Gospel, while Archbishop Arshad delivered the homily.

As the diocese celebrates its Year of Children, Archbishop Arshad connected the jubilee with the continuing witness of St. Francis, whose life, he said, remains an example of radical Gospel discipleship.

He reflected on how St. Francis left behind a comfortable and promising life to embrace poverty, simplicity, humility and complete dedication to God. Rather than simply preaching the Gospel, the saint sought to embody it through his way of life.

Archbishop Arshad emphasized that Christian greatness is not measured by wealth, status or recognition, but through humility, self-giving and service. He encouraged the faithful to follow Christ’s call to place the needs of others, especially the vulnerable, before personal comfort and interests.

He gave particular attention to religious men and women, inviting them to draw from St. Francis’ spirit of simplicity, poverty, humility, obedience, prayer and service. The saint’s witness, he said, remains a reminder that consecrated life is fundamentally a call to follow Christ faithfully and become authentic witnesses of the Gospel.

The Archbishop also reflected on the Feast of the Archangels, celebrated on the same day, highlighting their mission as messengers and servants of God. Their example, he said, points to the importance of obedience, fidelity, protection and faithful service.

The spirituality of St. Francis, Archbishop Arshad noted, extends beyond religious communities. His life challenges all Christians to move away from excessive attachment to material possessions and to deepen their love for God, the poor, creation and one another.

The celebration concluded with a vote of thanks by Sr. Rita FMM, followed by a festive dinner and fellowship.

Through prayer, the Eucharist, children's presentations and symbolic acts, the jubilee celebration invited the Catholic community in Pakistan to renew its commitment to the Gospel in the spirit of St. Francis, through simplicity, humility, care for others and faithful service.