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Jubilee of Saint Francis Pilgrimage for ADW Autistic Catholics

Event Details

Date & Time

2026-09-12

Organizer

Join the Deaf and Disabilities Ministry for a sensory-friendly pilgrimage to honor the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi.

Pope Leo XIV has declared a special Franciscan Jubilee Year to mark the eighth centenary of the saint’s passing. In celebration, the Archdiocese of Washington Deaf and Disabilities Ministry invites ADW Autistic Catholics, their families, and friends to gather, explore, and pray together.

By participating in this pilgrimage to a designated Franciscan site, faithful attendees may fulfill the conditions to receive a Plenary Indulgence.

Johannes Siberechts: Saint Francis of Assisi Preaching to the Animals

We will gather as a community to learn about the humble life of St. Francis and take a peaceful tour of the monastery’s beautiful historic grounds. This pilgrimage will feature a relaxed, community-centered pace.

Read the Proclamation: You can prepare your heart by reading The Holy Father’s Letter to the Franciscan Family regarding this historic centenary.

READ THE DECREE FROM POPE LEO XIV

VISIT MYFRANCISCAN.ORG THE MISSION OF THE MONASTERY ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CHAPEL

If you cannot visit the Monastery, we encourage you to take their virtual tour. Use the interactive map to see photos and videos from the inside of the church.

VIRTUAL TOUR

  • Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America

What to Expect & Accessibility Features

We will gather as a community to learn about the humble life of St. Francis and take a peaceful tour of the monastery’s beautiful historic, 42-acre grounds. This pilgrimage is designed to feature a relaxed, community-centered pace.
To ensure a comfortable experience for our neurodivergent and disabled pilgrims, please note the following features:
ASL Interpretation Available: Fully qualified American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters will accompany the group throughout the entire tour and presentation.
Mobility & Physical Access: All outdoor garden paths, upper walkways, and the main upper Monastery Church are fully wheelchair accessible. Please note that the historic lower church crypts and catacombs require navigating more than 20 steep stone steps and are not wheelchair accessible..
Sensory Environment: The monastery gardens are a dedicated “quiet zone” designed for silent contemplation, meaning background noise and crowds will be minimal. There are ample secluded stone nooks and benches throughout the upper gardens to sit down if you need a break or a low-stimulation sensory breather.
No Sudden Auditory Surprises: Our tour will prioritize natural outdoor environments without unexpected amplified sound systems or flashing media displays.
Service & Support Animals: In accordance with the venue guidelines, trained service animals and well-behaved support animals are welcome on the outdoor property.
Low-Stress Arrival: Ample, completely free visitor parking is available in the dedicated lot directly across the street from the monastery, ensuring a short, easy walk to the main entrance.

More details regarding parking, specific sensory accommodations, and RSVP instructions are coming soon!

Venue

Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America
1400 Quincy Street Northeast, Brookland, Washington D.C., DC 20017, USA

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