Franciscan Sisters in Hankinson welcome pilgrims during the Year of St. Francis
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Along with our Franciscans throughout the world, we have been looking forward to 2026 for quite some time: it is the 800th anniversary of the death, or “transitus,” of St. Francis. As members of the oldest women’s congregation of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis in continuous existence, this anniversary holds special meaning for us. Our community was founded in 1241, just fifteen years after the death of St. Francis in 1226, in Dillingen, Germany (Bavaria).”
In light of this, it was with great joy that we welcomed Pope Leo’s proclamation of a special jubilee in our patron’s honor. This special “Year of St. Francis” began on January 10, 2026 and extends through January 10, 2027, offering all the faithful opportunities for obtaining a plenary indulgence for themselves or for someone in purgatory.
In its document for the occasion, the Apostolic Penitentiary delineated the requirements for this jubilee indulgence. Under the usual conditions (confession, communion, prayer for the Pope’s intentions, and detachment from sin), one may obtain this indulgence by making a pilgrimage to a Franciscan convent or monastery’s church or chapel or, in fact, any place of worship dedicated to St. Francis. While there, pilgrims are either to participate in the jubilee rites or spend “a reasonable period of time in pious meditation and raise prayers to God so that, following the example of Saint Francis, feelings of Christian charity towards their neighbors and authentic vows of harmony and peace among peoples may spring forth in their hearts.” The prayers on a jubilee pilgrimage conclude with the Our Father, the Creed and invocations to the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Francis, St. Clare and all the saints of the Franciscan family.
Plenary indulgences associated with the Franciscan Order are not new. In fact, within St. Francis’ own lifetime, a special one was granted by the Holy Father, Pope Honorius III; St. Francis had asked that an indulgence be offered to those who would visit the Portiuncula, the church he and his brothers had restored, on August 2nd. Another example of an indulgence connected with St. Francis’ Order is the Stations of the Cross, which is deeply connected with the Franciscans and has a plenary indulgence attached.
Here at our convent in Hankinson, we are happy to help facilitate the opportunities for indulgences which this jubilee year offers to the faithful, and have created a pilgrimage guide for our visitors, which includes information about the jubilee indulgence along with Franciscan prayers and our liturgical schedule.
We have been opening our home and chapels to retreatants for a number of years. This past year, due to the fire at the neighboring St. Philip’s Catholic Church, we have been hosting parishioners for all the parish liturgies. Now, in this Franciscan jubilee, we extend a special invitation to all the faithful to come to our convent on pilgrimage.
Appointments are not strictly required, but calling ahead would be helpful (701-242-7195), especially if you are not familiar with the building. If visiting during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), please come in through the main entrance (north side) along Highway 11. Outside these hours, the east entrance may be used. Our convent address is 102 – 6th St. SE, Hankinson, ND.
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