CHARLOTTE — In this Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi, spend his feast day weekend (Oct. 3-4) exploring places with connections to the saint.
Just don’t leave your dog at home - there will be pet blessings galore across the diocese. While you’re exploring, befriend a squirrel, hug a tree or hike a trail or two. If you are feeling daring, go St. Francis style - barefoot. If you encounter a fierce wolf along the way, run first and then pray hard, but feel free to preach to the birds.
— Lisa Geraci
* In its decree for the Jubilee Year of St. Francis, the Apostolic Penitentiary announced that plenary indulgences will be granted to Catholics “under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father), to those who participate in a pilgrimage to churches named after the saint – those marked with an * are eligible. Read more online at charlottediocese.org/year-of-st-francis/
St. Francis of Assisi Church, Lenoir*
328-B Woodsway Lane NW, Lenoir
828-754-5281
Events:
- Oct. 3: 9 a.m. Mass, followed by a pet blessing and parish festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Oct. 4: 10 a.m. Mass (English), followed by a procession; noon Mass (Spanish), followed by a procession.
While you are there:
- Venerate first- and third-class St. Francis of Assisi relics in the church’s left chapel.
- Say a prayer for vocations in front of the St. Francis Memorial Fountain.
- Visit the old church at 1025 College Ave.
History: St. Francis of Assisi Church in Lenoir was founded by Franciscan friars who arrived in Caldwell County in 1932.
St. Francis of Assisi Church, Mocksville*
862 Yadkinville Road, Mocksville
336-751-2973
Events:
- Oct. 3: 1 p.m. pet blessing
- Oct. 4: 10:20 a.m. procession with a St. Francis of Assisi relic, Mass and blessing with the relic, followed by a festival.
Fun fact: In 1980, St. Francis of Assisi Church welcomed its first resident pastor – Friars of Atonement Father Noel McSweeney – and with him, parish status.
St. Francis of Assisi Church, Franklin*
299 Maple St., Franklin
828-524-2289
Events:
- Oct 4: Mass 9 a.m. in English and 11 a.m. in Spanish
Take the trip: Drive the scenic route to Our Lady of the Mountains Church in Highlands to visit its new Baroque-style church. Along the way stop at the seven waterfalls right off the road.
St. Francis of Assisi Church, Jefferson*
167 St. Francis Place, Jefferson
336-246-9151
Events:
- Oct. 2: 4 p.m. pet blessings
- Oct. 3: 2:30 p.m. Transitus of St. Francis with Father Jacob Mlakar and the Secular Franciscan Fraternity. (Confessions at 3:45 p.m. and Mass at 4:30 p.m.)
While you are there:
- At the church: See 34 stained-glass windows, including scenes from St. Francis’ life
- Take a hike: St. Francis walked barefoot across Europe for 20 years and thousands of miles. To honor him, take the dogs for a walk along more than 400 miles of marked trails within 90 minutes of Jefferson.
Both the Appalachian Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway pass through Ashe County.
St. Francis Springs Prayer Center, Stoneville
477 Grogan Road, Stoneville
336-573-3751
Events:
- Oct. 3: 4 to 6 p.m. Transitus service in the St. Francis Prayer Chapel, followed by processions to the Glass Chapel and the columbarium, concluding with dinner (RSVP required).
While you are there:
- Main building: Timeline of St. Francis’ life in paintings along the hallway
- Grounds and facility: Sculptures, paintings and works of art dedicated to St. Francis and St. Clare
- Trails: Take a hike along the paths to a large mural of St. Francis atop a hill
St. James the Greater Church, Concord
139 Manor Ave. SW, Concord
704-720-0600
Events:
- Oct. 3: 11:30 a.m. Transitus service with Franciscans Father Casey Cole, OFM, and Father Roberto “Tito” Serrano, OFM.
Our Lady of Mercy Church, Winston Salem
1730 Link Road, Winston-Salem
336-723-8238
Events:
- Oct. 4: 11 a.m. Mass. Secular Franciscans will renew their promises and Sister Kathy Ganiel, OSF will renew her vows.