St. Francis relics draw thousands to Oradea pilgrimage in Romania

Relics of St. Francis of Assisi (ex massa corporis) arrived in Romania for the first time on 31 July 2026, being displayed at the Sanctuary of the Mother of God in Oradea as part of the Franciscan Jubilee marking 800 years since the saint’s death. The arrival was marked by a solemn liturgy led by Bishop Virgil Bercea of the Greek‑Catholic Eparchy of Oradea, with participation from clergy of both the Greek‑Catholic and Roman‑Catholic churches, including Bishop László Böcskei of the Roman‑Catholic Diocese of Oradea.

A national pilgrimage was organized by the Province of St. Joseph of the Conventual Franciscans, visiting 32 locations across eight Romanian dioceses and eparchies. The pilgrimage began in Oradea and is scheduled to conclude on 16 October 2026 in Timișoara, with relics to be exhibited in cathedrals and churches dedicated to St. Francis in Cluj‑Napoca, Iași, Bucharest and several monasteries. Thousands of faithful have gathered for prayers, liturgies and reflections on the saint’s message of peace, simplicity and service to the poor.