Međugorje hosts final celebrations for 800th Franciscan jubilee

The Franciscan community of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina held a final celebration in Međugorje on September 5, 2026, to mark the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi. The central Mass was celebrated at the outdoor altar of St. James Church, led by Massimo Fusarelli, the Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor, alongside 184 priests.

During his homily, Father Fusarelli emphasized the importance of mercy and brotherhood, noting that the community of disciples is a place where mercy received from God is given to others. He described the responsibility of members to care for one another, using the biblical image of a watchman to illustrate that responsibility is about protection rather than judgment.

Zdravko Dadić, the provincial minister of the Franciscan Province of St. Croix – Bosnia Srebrena, welcomed the attendees, expressing hope that the jubilee would renew faithfulness to the Gospel and serve as a sign of peace and simplicity in a world lacking unity.