A Special Franciscan Jubilee Year has begun to mark the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi (1226–2026). It runs from 10 January 2026 to 10 January 2027 and carries the theme “San Francesco Vive” (Saint Francis Lives). The theme echoes the Gospel image of “the seed that dies to bear fruit” (Jn 12:24; 1 Cor 15:36), reminding the Church that Francis’ life continues to speak powerfully today.
Societies construct monuments for men and women who shaped their nation. Filipinos, for one, build images of José Rizal, Andrés Bonifacio, Melchora Aquino, and other heroes to honor lives marked by courage and sacrifice.
