ASSISI (PG), SEPTEMBER 29 — “More than ever in this Franciscan Jubilee year,” declared Friar Giulio Cesareo, OFM Conv., director of the Communications Office of the Sacred Convent, “the world comes to Saint Francis, but Saint Francis also wishes to reach the whole world. For this reason, at 11:59 p.m. on October 3, the bells of the Basilica of Saint Francis will ring out in celebration. We invite parish priests and rectors of churches and shrines everywhere in the world to join us in this simple yet meaningful gesture, so that together we may enter into the feast of the Saint of Assisi, the universal brother.”
In addition to in-person participation and the traditional live broadcast on RAI1 of the Solemn Mass, the friars of the Sacred Convent has activated a series of services to involve the friends of Saint Francis throughout the world in the celebrations, even if they are not familiar with the Italian language. There are in fact several ways to take part in the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, precisely in the year of the eighth centenary of his death.
At 11:59 p.m. on October 3, the bells of the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi will ring out in celebration.
PARTICIPATION IN THE CELEBRATIONS IN PERSON
At midnight, between October 3 and 4, at the conclusion of the Cammino con San Francesco (departure on foot from Saint Mary of the Angels at 8:30 p.m.), Holy Mass will be celebrated in the Lower Basilica, presided over by Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, Pontifical Legate for the Papal Basilicas of Assisi. The celebration will be broadcasted outside the Basilica on giant screens in the lower and upper squares.
Reservations — free of charge — for outdoor participation via giant screens in the midnight Holy Mass and the solemn celebration (at 9:45 a.m. in the Upper Church on October 4) of the offering of the oil and the lighting of the Votive Lamp of the Municipalities of Italy, in the presence of the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella, are now closed. Indeed, maximum number of available places has been reached for security reasons in the designated areas of the lower and upper squares.
The Holy Masses in the Lower Basilica during the day on October 4 are open to all, until available places are filled. This is the schedule of the celebrations in the Lower Basilica: 6:00 a.m.; 7:00 a.m.; 8:00 a.m.; 9:30 a.m.; 11:00 a.m. (in English); 1:00 p.m.; 5:00 p.m.; 6:30 p.m.
ACCESS TO THE CRYPT OF THE TOMB OF SAINT FRANCIS
After the midnight Mass, the faithful will be able to access the crypt of the tomb of Saint Francis to pay homage to the Saint. On October 4, entry to the crypt to visit the Saint’s Tomb is guaranteed — within the limits of available space — from 6:00 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.
LIVE TV BROADCAST ON RAI1
The solemn celebration at 9:45 a.m., with the offering of the oil and the lighting of the Votive Lamp of the Municipalities of Italy by the Mayor of Assisi, Valter Stoppini, in the presence of the Head of State, will be broadcast live on RAI1 and on the television networks of some European countries.
PROGRAM OF LIVE STREAMING BROADCASTS
This year as well, on the occasion of the Feast of Saint Francis, the Conventual Franciscan friars of the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi will offer a rich program of celebrations, reflections, and moments of prayer via live streaming. This service is intended for all those who will not be able to be physically present in Assisi, allowing them to experience the feast of the Saint of Assisi wherever they may be. Hosting the 2026 edition will once again be Friar Riccardo Giacon, OFM Conv., who this year will be joined by Friar Nico Melato, OFM Conv., and journalist Daniele Morini.
At midnight between October 3 and 4: live streaming of the Holy Mass presided over by Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, Pontifical Legate for the Papal Basilicas of Assisi.
From 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.: Holy Mass presided over by the Minister General of the Conventual Franciscan Friars, Friar Carlos A. Trovarelli.
Live streaming from the Lower Basilica , with the offering of prayers from devotees and pilgrims in front of the tomb of Saint Francis. Devotees may still light a virtual candle and write their prayer at the link: https://festadisanfrancesco.it/
From 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.: Reflection on the feast and welcome of the procession.
Live streaming from the forecourt of the Basilica and the Upper Square: welcome of the city procession for the feast and arrival of the President of the Republic; interviews with pilgrims, stories, anecdotes, and curiosities about the 2026 edition. Hosted by Friar Riccardo Giacon, OFM Conv., Friar Nico Melato, OFM Conv., and Daniele Morini.
From 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.: Speeches from the Loggia in the Lower Square.
Live streaming of the address by the Custos of the Sacred Convent, Friar Marco Moroni, OFM Conv., on behalf of the Franciscan Family and the ecclesial community of Assisi, and of the address by the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella (the speeches will also be broadcast live on RAI1).
From 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.: Celebration of Solemn Vespers and procession.
Live streaming of the celebration of Vespers, followed by the procession from the Lower Basilica to the forecourt of the Upper Basilica, presided over by Felice Accrocca, Bishop of Assisi–Nocera Umbra–Gualdo Tadino and of Foligno. During the celebration, olive branches will be distributed as a sign of peace, and there will be the blessing of Italy and the world from the small dome of the Basilica. At the end, the Canticle of the Creatures — set to music by Father Domenico Stella, OFM Conv. — will be sung on the forecourt of the Upper Basilica, by the Musical Chapel of the Papal Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, directed by Maestro Friar Peter Hrdy, OFM Conv.
From 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.: Holy Mass.
Live streaming of Holy Mass from the Lower Basilica.
11:00 A.M.: HOLY MASS IN ENGLISH LIVE ON EWTN
Eucharistic celebration presided over by His Excellency Robert J. Baker, Bishop Emeritus of Birmingham in Alabama, broadcast live by EWTN. This moment is dedicated especially to devotees of the Saint who live abroad and do not speak Italian: https://watch.ewtn.it/
WHERE TO FOLLOW THE LIVE STREAMS
All events on October 4 (including the midnight Holy Mass) will be live streamed on the official YouTube channel @BasilicaSanFrancescodAssisi and on the Facebook page SAN FRANCESCO D’ASSISI. The daytime events will also be shared with broadcasters in the conCoralloTv network.
