‘Consistent harmony between belief and daily living’

By the Sisters of St. Francis of the Immaculate Conception

A Year of Saint Francis (2026–2027) was proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV to mark the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi (October 3, 1226). A Jubilee year invites the faithful to rekindle their faith and deepen their relationship with God and with the Church community.

To help our diocese celebrate this special year, Terra Sancta is sponsoring a guided retreat, “Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus and St. Francis,” led by the Sisters of St. Francis of the Immaculate Conception from Peoria, Illinois — our sister diocese. Sister Jacque, our resident Franciscan Spiritual Director, has invited two members of her community, Sister Betty Jean and Sister Janice, both of whom bring extensive experience in teaching, parish ministry, spiritual direction, and retreat work.

The retreat begins September 14 at 3p.m. and will end September 18 at 1p.m. Join us for a peaceful week of prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal as we explore what it means to walk in the footprints of Jesus and St. Francis in 2026. Through morning and afternoon conferences, communal prayer, and reflective activities, each retreatant will be invited to deepen their daily response to a good and gracious God by focusing on core Gospel and Franciscan values:

• Poverty – trusting abandonment to the providence of God
• Conversion – ongoing and wholehearted turning to the Lord
• Contemplation – becoming a dwelling place for God
• Humility – delighting in who we truly are in God

We will also explore how to recognize God’s fingerprints throughout creation and how to build community in new ways in a world longing for connection.

What message does the life of St. Francis offer to modern men and women? The biography of St. Francis shows that authentic imitation of Christ is lived through a concrete, Gospel-rooted lifestyle—making Jesus present in every age. His witness reminds us of the enduring value of simplicity, authenticity, and joy. By renouncing wealth and social prestige, Francis demonstrated that true freedom of heart is born from detachment and from seeing all things as gifts from a good and gracious God. For today’s person, surrounded by consumerism and constant distraction, his example is a timely invitation to simplicity, moderation, responsible use of goods, and gratitude for daily blessings.

In an era when faith is often superficial or reduced to fleeting emotions, St. Francis encourages a consistent harmony between belief and daily living — a witness expressed through actions more than words. He teaches active, fraternal love, especially toward the weakest, the poor, and the marginalized. His life counters indifference and selfishness — problems still evident today, when virtual interactions often overshadow real human connection. In this context, the figure of St. Francis offers a refreshing model of authenticity and grounded, Gospel simplicity.

St. Francis also shows that peace is born from a converted heart, from reverence for each person’s uniqueness, and from recognizing all creation as brothers and sisters in Christ. In a world marked by conflict, social tension, and insecurity, his life calls us to build peace rooted in the Gospel of Jesus, Redeemer and Prince of Peace, by walking in His footprints as disciples.

This retreat includes:

• Eight conferences exploring essential Gospel values
• Opportunities for individual spiritual direction with the Sisters
• Time for personal and communal prayer
• Sacred music woven throughout the retreat
• Optional evening activities for fellowship and reflection, including adoration, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, creative experiences, and faith sharing

We hope you will rediscover the beauty and simplicity of living a life of grace, where timeless Franciscan virtues can be expressed in the ordinary moments of daily life. Come deepen your relationship with our good and gracious God, discover God’s fingerprints in creation, and experience community in new ways. All are welcome.