🌿 Introduction: A Historic Moment for the World
In 2026, Catholics worldwide will commemorate 800 years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, a man whose radical simplicity, humility, and love for all creation transformed the Church and continues to inspire millions today.
To mark this historic anniversary, the Franciscan community has announced an unprecedented, once-in-history event:
➡️ The first public exposition of the mortal remains of Saint Francis
22 February – 22 March 2026
Lower Basilica, Assisi, Italy
For the first time in centuries, pilgrims will be able to venerate the Saint’s body in a full month of prayer, reflection, and spiritual encounter.
This guide is your complete English resource to help you prepare, book, and plan your pilgrimage.
📅 Key Facts at a Glance
- Dates: 22 February – 22 March 2026
- Location: Lower Basilica of Saint Francis, Assisi
- Access: Free but requires mandatory online reservation
- Official Booking Website: https://sanfrancescovive.org
- There are two veneration paths: with a friar (Option A) or silent/self-guided (Option B)
- All Masses: celebrated in the Upper Basilica
- International Masses: Monday–Saturday at 11:00 AM & 5:00 PM
- No private Masses: can be booked during the exposition
- Arrival: 45 minutes before your reserved time
- Walking time: Allow 20 minutes between Upper & Lower Basilica
🙏 Why the 2026 Exposition Is Historic
2026 marks eight centuries since Saint Francis’s passing into eternal life.
To honour this milestone, and with approval from the Holy Father via the Vatican Secretariat of State, the Saint’s mortal remains will be reverently transferred from the crypt and placed:
➡️ At the foot of the papal altar in the Lower Basilica.
This is more than an event — it is a spiritual invitation.
A chance to encounter the Saint whose life continues to bear fruit in:
- peace
- fraternity
- service to the poor
- care for creation
- joy rooted in simplicity
The official theme of the centenary is “Saint Francis Lives.”
🧭 How to Book Your Visit (Mandatory)
Every pilgrim — whether traveling alone, with family, or in a parish group — must reserve a time slot through the free online booking system on the official centenary website:
👉 https://sanfrancescovive.org/en/booking/
What you need to book:
- Name
- Contact information
- Number of participants
- Choice of Option A or Option B
- Preferred date and time
ViaAssisi.com cannot make reservations on your behalf.
All bookings must be completed directly on the official site.
🕊️ Two Veneration Options
OPTION A — Accompanied by a Friar
A spiritual path enriched with a short reflection given by a Franciscan friar.
(Not a guided tour.) Available in multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Polish and Italian.
- Arrive 45 minutes early
- Path duration: ~30 minutes
- Total time needed: 1 hour
OPTION B — Self-Guided and Silent
A personal, quiet experience of prayer with written explanations in various languages.
- Arrive 45 minutes early
- No spoken explanations allowed (guides, leaders, audio devices)
- Total time needed: 1 hour 30 minutes
🔔 What to Expect During Your Visit
- Entry point: Piazza Inferiore
- Present your QR code (digital or printed)
- Staff will guide you through the cloisters
- Silence and prayer are expected throughout
- After venerating the relics, pilgrims may pause briefly for personal prayer in the transept
- A short liturgical rite concludes the experience
- Every pilgrim receives a gift from the Franciscan community
♿ Accessibility Information
The veneration route will be accessible for:
- pilgrims with reduced mobility
- visually impaired pilgrims
- Alternative pathways will be available.
✝️ Holy Mass During the Exposition
⛔ No Private Masses
Due to the special nature of the event, no private Masses may be booked in the Basilica during the exposition.
🌍 International Masses
From Monday to Saturday, the Upper Basilica will host two international Masses, welcoming pilgrims from every nation:
- 11:00 AM
- 5:00 PM
🗓️ Full Mass Schedule (Upper Basilica)
Saturdays & Sundays:
7:30 • 9:00 • 11:00 • 12:30 • 14:00 • 15:30 • 17:00 • 18:30
Weekdays:
7:30 • 9:00 • 11:00 • 14:00 • 17:00
Reservations are free but mandatory due to limited capacity. To attend any Mass, book your seat here.
🧩 Planning Your Day
To attend Mass before or after veneration:
- Consider Option A (1 hr) or Option B (1.5 hr)
- Arrive 20 minutes early for Mass
- Allow 20 minutes walking time between basilicas
- Allow extra time if attending Mass in another church
Assisi is hilly — comfortable shoes recommended.
🌙 Evening Veneration
Special evening services will be offered for:
- families
- religious orders
- consecrated men & women
- the Secular Franciscan Order
Exact schedule to be released.
🧳 Travel Tips for Pilgrims
- Expect high crowds — book early
- Book accommodation in Assisi well in advance
- Plan your day with extra walking time
- Bring a charged phone for QR code access
- Consider arriving one day before your scheduled veneration
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation?
Yes, every pilgrim must reserve a time for the veneration and to attend Holy Mass.
Is the veneration free?
Yes.
Can I book a private Mass?
No, not during the exposition period.
Can I book for a group?
Yes — through the official booking site.
Will the Pope attend?
Official announcements will appear on sanfrancescovive.org.
📧 Need Help Planning Your Pilgrimage?
I'm here to support you in preparing for this extraordinary spiritual moment.
👉 Email: gwen@viaassisi.com
🙏 Final Invitation
Subscribe below for:
- booking updates
- new schedules
- pilgrim tips
- travel guidance
- reflections from Assisi
- and real-time news about the 2026 Exposition
Join me as we journey toward this once-in-a-lifetime encounter with Saint Francis.
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