Year of Grace Poster 2026

Eight hundred years after his passing into eternal life, St. Francis remains one of the most beloved saints of all time. The artwork in this year’s calendar (2026) by artist Jen Norton depicts pivotal scenes from the life of St. Francis and seeks to foster a renewed appreciation for the ways he continues to inspire us today.

At the center of the calendar, Christ speaks to Francis at the church of San Damiano, calling him to rebuild the Church. The heart of Catholic and Franciscan spirituality is attentive listening to the voice of Christ and joyful pursuit of whatever he asks us to do. The corners of the calendar give us further glimpses of the unfolding work of grace in Francis’ life as he follows the Lord’s call. First, we see him forsake his father’s wealth to embrace a life of gospel poverty, which soon inspires others to join him. Next, we see Francis developing a deepening love for Christ in the poor as he embraces a leper and joins the beggars outside St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Filled with joy for having found the fullness of his heart’s desire in God alone, Francis preaches the good news to all creation—bearing in his words and in his own body the marks of his beloved Savior. Finally, we see images of the enduring legacy that this Poverello (“poor man”) of Assisi unleashed in the world by his response to Christ’s invitation, and in which we are invited to participate by our own yes to Christ.

The Year of Grace 2026 year follows the Sundays of Year A and the weekdays of Year II of the liturgical cycle, beginning November 30, 2025 (First Sunday of Advent) and ending Saturday, November 28, 2026.