In January 2026, Pope Leo XIV called for a Jubilee Year commemorating the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi’s death and the enduring influence he has on the world.
For FMOL Health, this Jubilee Year is more than a commemoration. It is an invitation to reflect on the spirit that continues to shape this ministry and the communities we are privileged to serve.
As our health system begins offering reflections, events and formative experiences throughout the year, Rafael Flores, MA, MPL, director of ministry formation and mission integration, frames this season with two guiding questions:
- What difference does Francis make?
- What does it mean to walk the Franciscan way today?
Of the two, the first may be the most important place to begin.
Because in all reality, if we do not appreciate the difference St. Francis makes for us, in 2026, then why invest our time and energy developing educational videos, offering webinars and planning celebratory events?
The Importance of Understanding
So, what difference does Francis make? To answer this question, it is best to begin by asking another: what is the meaning of life?
This is a big question, but the answer is often framed as the pursuit of lasting happiness, an abiding peace that the ancient Greeks called eudaimonia, and what we call “human flourishing.” Many assume we can reach it through the attainment of wealth, comfort or a premier social status. Yet, Francis’ life points to a different path toward attaining happiness.
Francis’ Path to Happiness
In his time, Francis rejected material wealth, embraced discomforts as they came and sought to rid himself of any exalted social status. By doing this he showed how true joy grows through humility, simplicity and self-gift, and not comfort, status or the accumulation of material things.
That is the difference Francis makes: he teaches us that true happiness takes root when we embrace a humble way of living, stay grounded in our mission and “do what is ours to do” through concrete acts of love.
His way of living inspired countless men and women to follow in his footsteps of simplicity, minority and conversion, and today, as we begin our celebration of the Jubilee Year, we invite all members of the FMOL Health community to engage in a year of reflection, on how we, as a ministry “inspired by the vision of St. Francis,” can walk the Franciscan way as we seek to serve our communities.
Living the Franciscan Way
This year will bring many resources for reflection and celebration, inviting everyone to ponder not only what difference Francis makes today but also what difference can be made in our communities as a Franciscan ministry of healing.
