This year marks the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi—a moment the Franciscan tradition calls his Transitus, his “passing over” from death into life. For Francis, death was not an end, but a homecoming—an entrance into the fullness of life with God.

To commemorate this anniversary, Pope Francis has designated a special Holy Year for the entire Church. During this time, all Franciscan churches throughout the world are recognized as places of pilgrimage, where the faithful may receive the grace of a plenary indulgence.

That means something quietly remarkable:

Every time you walk into this church, you are stepping into a designated place of pilgrimage.

In addition, the Archbishop of Brooklyn has formally named our parish as a diocesan pilgrimage site, highlighting in a special way the spiritual significance of what is already true here.

How we will mark this year:

• A relocated statue of Saint Francis in the church, inviting personal prayer and devotion

• A reflective presentation of the Canticle of the Creatures, composed by Saint Francis 800 years ago, with opportunities for meditation 

• Cultural and spiritual events throughout the year, celebrating Franciscan spirituality and joy

Save the Date:

October 3 – Transitus of Saint Francis (solemn celebration of his passing from death to life)

October 4 – Feast of Saint Francis (celebrated with special solemnity, including the traditional Blessing of Animals)

This Holy Year is not just 

about remembering the past. 

It is an invitation—to rediscover 

the simplicity, joy, and radical 

trust in God that marked the 

life of Saint Francis.

This church is a designated place for the plenary indulgence granted by Pope Leo XIV during the Year of Saint Francis.

How to Receive the Indulgence

• Visit this Franciscan church with faith and a sincere desire to turn your heart toward God

• Participate in Mass or spend time in prayer here

• Pray the Our Father, the Creed, and for the intentions of the Holy Father

• Receive Sacramental Confession and Holy Communion within several days of your visit

• Be free from attachment to sin

The indulgence may be received for yourself or offered for the faithful departed.

What does a plenary indulgence do?

A plenary indulgence removes the spiritual effects that remain after sin is forgiven, restoring the heart to full freedom in God’s mercy.

This year marks the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. To mark the occasion Pope Leo has proclaimed a Jubilee Year of St. Francis from January 10, 2026 to January 10, 2027. As part of this Jubilee the tomb of St. Francis in Assisi was opened for a recognition of his remains and veneration by the faithful. The Very Reverend Michael Heine, OFM Conv, Minister Provincial of Our Lady of the Angels Province (pictured, in prayer, touching the remains of St. Francis) carried with him the prayers and concerns of all the friars of our province and of the men and women we serve in our parishes, schools and ministries. Various special events will take place during this year of Jubilee including the Plenary Indulgence granted by Pope Leo to anyone who visits a Franciscan church.

Friar Michael Heine was recently re-elected as Minister Provincial by the friars. He will lead the Province as it gathers in its Ordinary Provincial Chapter in May and July to review the last 4 years and to plan for the future of the friars. Our Lady of the Angels Province of the Friars Minor Conventual spans along the east of the United States and Canada from Ontario to Florida and includes a presence in Brazil, the UK and Ireland.

Make your pledge today at www.annualcatholicappeal.org,

click the link on this page, or text DONATE to 917-336-1255

Looking for a year that actually matters? FrancisCorps is a one-year, faith-filled service experience for young adults (ages 21–25) rooted in the Franciscan tradition. You’ll live in intentional community in Syracuse, NY, grow deeper in prayer, serve those most in need, and build lifelong friendships while making a real impact in people’s lives.

Volunteers spend their days in meaningful service at places like food programs, shelters, schools, and social-service ministries, pray together daily, share meals, and participate in retreats and a pilgrimage to Assisi, Italy — all while receiving housing, a stipend, and support along the way. It’s not just a year of service — it’s a year of transformation that stays with you long after it ends.

For more info and how to apply, visit franciscorps.org or talk to Friar Rick.

Our next Sight & Sound bus trip to Lancaster County in PA is scheduled for Saturday, April 11, when we'll see the inspiring new live show Joshua. The price is $210 and includes transportation, the show, and lunch. Tickets will start selling soon.

Confession is a chance to breathe, let go, and start again. The friars celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Saturdays after the 8:30 AM Mass (except the first Saturday of the month) and from 4–5 PM in the afternoon.

Prefer something more flexible? Confession is also available by appointment, or you can stop by the parish office (153 Johnson Avenue, Suite B).

If a friar is in, we’re glad to welcome you. You can also call ahead at 718-384-0215.

Looking for a simple, concrete way to serve? Once a month, when the Food Pantry at Trinity Human Services is closed and food levels are low, we need volunteers to clean and disinfect our refrigerators and freezers so they’re ready for fresh deliveries on Monday.

This behind-the-scenes work protects our guests, meets health requirements, and keeps the pantry running. It’s humble, hands-on service in the Franciscan spirit: caring for people by caring for what serves them. Ideal for young adults who can’t volunteer during the week but have time on Saturdays. Interested?

Contact Friar Rick for details and scheduling.

For generations, this parish has been a spiritual home — the place where faith was deepened,

families were formed, and God was encountered in joy and sorrow. We invite you to consider

including Most Holy Trinity – St. Mary Church in your Will or Estate plans. Such a gift helps ensure

that this church continues to serve, welcome, and proclaim the Gospel for generations to come.

What this parish has given you can become a lasting gift to those who will one day call it home. Here's is what to write:

Most Holy Trinity – St. Mary RC Church |

138 Montrose Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11206| Fed.

ID #11-1642724

You will notice new NFC tags installed in the pews and near the vigil candles. These tags connect directly to our donation platform, Zeffy, allowing you to make offerings without cash. To use: unlock your phone and hold it near the tag. You may need to adjust the position slightly for it to connect. Pew tags are for your Sunday offering.

Candle tags allow you to make an offering when lighting a vigil candle. Simple. Secure. No cash required.

We are happy to announce that our Sunday Masses are now available on our new parish YouTube Channel @Trinity-StMaryBK. Remember the Mass is also available live on our parish website trinity-stmary.org. This Mass does not fulfill your obligation to attend Mass. Those who are sick or homebound are not required to attend Mass.

https://www.youtube.com/@Trinity-StMaryBK