10/04/2026
Read Archbishop Coakley's latest column!
"This special year of Saint Francis continues through Jan. 10. It is an invitation to rediscover the call of the Gospel as seen in the life of Saint Francis.
If there’s one thing that stands out among everything else in his life, it is that he took the call and teachings of Jesus in the Gospel seriously, especially the Sermon on the Mount. He embraced these words, convinced that Jesus meant them as a way of life and he sought every day to live his life according to this call of Jesus to live as his disciple.
May his example continue to inspire us to conversion as we strive to live the Gospel.
As we continue to give thanks to God for the gift of this great saint, I also invite you to consider making a pilgrimage to one of the churches in our diocese dedicated to Saint Francis. By making a pilgrimage to one of these churches, either in Oklahoma City or in Newkirk, the faithful may obtain a plenary indulgence following the normal conditions.
May this year be a blessing to each of us as we seek to follow the example of this man of the Gospel. Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us!"
Across the piazza from the Papal Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome, stands a large statue of Saint Francis, hands raised in prayer, facing the basilica.