ASSISI, Italy — Bishop Michael Martin was among a group of Franciscan friars who witnessed the historic exhumation of the relics of St. Francis of Assisi on Feb. 21. The saint’s remains were removed from their crypt in the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy, to be displayed for public veneration in honor of the 800th anniversary of his death in 1226.
St. Francis of Assisi is a beloved Catholic saint known for radical humility, deep love for Christ and joyful poverty. Bishop Martin is a member of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, founded by St. Francis in the early 13th century and dedicated to living the Gospel as St. Francis modeled.
The Catholic Church has declared 2026 a jubilee Year of St. Francis, with special pilgrimages and celebrations in Assisi. Pilgrims will be able to venerate the saint’s remains in the basilica until March 22 – a rare and deeply revered event that is expected to draw thousands from around the world. For more about the jubilee year, go to www.charlottediocese.org.
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