FEBRUARY 13, 2026
mississippicatholic.com
Pope sets Jubilee to mark 800th year since St. Francis’ death; saint’s body to be displayed (CNS) – Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a special Jubilee Year coinciding with the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. The Apostolic Penitentiary, a Vatican tribunal that deals with matters of conscience, issued a decree published by the Franciscan Friars Jan. 10, declaring a yearlong celebration in honor of the Poverello, or the Little Poor One. According to the decree, Pope Leo has established that from Jan. 10, following the closing of the church’s Jubilee Year, until Jan. 10, 2027, a special Year of St. Francis may be proclaimed, in which every Christian, “following the example of the Saint of Assisi, may himself become a model of holiness of life and a constant witness of peace.” Noting previous jubilee celebrations related to the works of St. Francis – such as the eighth centenary commemorations of MADISON – The sun shines on a statue of St. Francis of Assisi at Cajun Fest at St. the first Nativity scene, as well Francis of Assisi parish in 2021. Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a special Jubilee Year
coinsiding with the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis. (Photo from archives)
as his composition of the “Canticle of the Creatures” and his receiving of the stigmata – the decree stated that “2026 will mark the culmination and fulfillment of all previous celebrations.” In its decree, the Apostolic Penitentiary also announced that plenary indulgences will be granted to Catholics “under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father), which can also be applied in the form of suffrage for the souls in Purgatory.” The indulgence will be granted to those who participate in a pilgrimage “to any Franciscan conventual church, or place of worship in any part of the world named after St. Francis or connected to him for any reason,” it stated. The sick, the elderly and caretakers unable to leave their
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Cognia recognizes Catholic school system in Diocese of Jackson among top school systems worldwide BY JOANNA PUDDISTER KING
JACKSON – Representatives from Cognia formally presented the 2025 Cognia System of Distinction Award to the Catholic Diocese of Jackson on Monday, Feb. 2, recognizing the diocesan Catholic school system for exceptional performance during its most recent accreditation review.
The presentation took place during a gathering that included Bishop Joseph Kopacz, principals from Catholic schools across the diocese, and chancery staff who work closely with Catholic education. The ceremony marked the culmination of a rigorous review conducted during the 2024–2025 school year. Dr. Jeremy Stinson, Cognia’s director of the Southeast Region, presented the award on behalf of the organization, joined by Dr. Michael Bratcher, vice president of domestic accreditation services and lead evaluator
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for the diocese’s review. Stinson said the distinction recognizes systems that truly stand out in their service to learners by meeting and exceeding Cognia’s performance standards. “The System of Distinction program recognizes systems and schools across the world who truly stand out in their service to learners,” Stinson said, noting that honorees demonstrate excellence in culture for learning, leadership for learning,
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