DECREE
Designation of Additional Pilgrimage Churches
for the Franciscan Jubilee Year
“The Lord bless you and keep you.” (Numbers 6:24)
In grateful communion with the universal Church, and in response to the gracious promulgation by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV of a Franciscan Jubilee Year, to be observed throughout the Church from 10 January 2026 until 10 January 2027, commemorating the spiritual legacy of Saint Francis of Assisi, outstanding model of evangelical poverty, fraternal charity, peace, and care for creation;
Mindful that Jubilee Years are privileged times of grace, inviting the People of God to deeper conversion, reconciliation, holiness of life, and renewed commitment to the Gospel through pilgrimage, prayer, sacramental participation, and works of mercy;
Desiring to provide the faithful of the Diocese of San José in California with multiple sacred places where the spiritual fruits of this Jubilee may be sought in a profound and accessible manner;
And exercising the pastoral and juridical authority entrusted to me as diocesan Bishop (cf. canons 381 §1 and 391 of the Code of Canon Law), having heard the counsel of my collaborators in diocesan governance,
I HEREBY DECREE THE FOLLOWING:
Article 1 – Designation of Pilgrimage Churches
For the duration of the Franciscan Jubilee Year, from 10 January 2026 until 10 January 2027, the following churches are hereby designated as official Pilgrimage Churches of the Diocese of San José in California:
- The Parish Church of Saint Francis of Assisi in San Jose
- The Church of Saint Clare in Santa Clara
- The Our Lady of the Assumption Croatian Mission in San Jose
Article 2 – Pastoral Significance of the Additional Designations
The designation of the Church of Saint Clare is made in recognition of the profound spiritual bond between Saint Clare of Assisi and Saint Francis, whose shared witness of radical Gospel poverty, prayer, and total dedication to Christ continues to inspire the Church. Saint Clare is the secondary patroness of the Diocese of San José and the titular patroness of Santa Clara County and the Santa Clara Valley, making this church a particularly fitting place of pilgrimage during this Jubilee Year.
The designation of Our Lady of the Assumption Croatian Mission is made in honor of the Franciscan friars who faithfully serve this mission community and in grateful acknowledgment of the Croatian Catholic faithful whose devotion and witness enrich the life of the Diocese. This designation recognizes the historic and ongoing contribution of the Franciscan Order and highlights their central role in the spirit of this Jubilee celebration.
Article 3 – Purpose of the Pilgrimage Churches
These pilgrimage churches are designated so that the faithful may gather as pilgrims to seek spiritual renewal through:
- Attentive listening to the Word of God
- The worthy celebration of the Sacred Liturgy
- Frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance
- Eucharistic adoration and devotion
- Concrete works of charity inspired by the Franciscan spirit
Article 4 – Spiritual Benefits
During the Jubilee period, the faithful who devoutly visit any of these designated pilgrimage churches may obtain the Jubilee indulgences and spiritual benefits granted by the Holy Father, provided they fulfill the customary conditions established by the Church:
- Sacramental Confession
- Reception of Holy Communion
- Prayer for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff
- Interior detachment from all sin, even venial
These spiritual benefits may also be applied, in accordance with Church norms, for the souls of the faithful departed.
Article 5 – Pastoral Responsibilities
The pastors and those entrusted with the care of these pilgrimage churches, in collaboration with the appropriate diocesan offices, shall ensure that each church faithfully fulfills its role by:
- Providing generous and clearly scheduled opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation
- Offering catechesis on the Jubilee Year and Franciscan spirituality
- Promoting prayer, peace, reconciliation, care for the poor, and stewardship of creation
- Welcoming pilgrims with pastoral charity and reverence
Article 6 – Observance of the Same Protocols
The same spiritual requirements, pastoral norms, and devotional practices established for the original pilgrimage church shall apply equally to these additional designated churches throughout the Jubilee Year.
Article 7 – Promulgation and Force of Law
This decree shall be promulgated through the official communications of the Diocese of San José in California and shall take effect on 10 January 2026. It shall remain in force until 10 January 2027, unless lawfully modified or revoked by competent ecclesiastical authority.
Given at the Chancery of the Diocese of San José in California, on this 17th day of February in the Year of Our Lord 2026.
✠ Most Reverend Oscar Cantú, S.T.D.
Bishop of San José in California
✠ Most Reverend Andres Ligot, J.C.D.
Auxiliary Bishop of San José in California
Vicar General & Chancellor