California Establishes 24.56-Mile St. Francis Pilgrimage Route

A new Camino de San Francisco pilgrimage route in California invites travelers to follow a 24.56-mile path from Mission San Rafael Arcángel to Mission Dolores in San Francisco, divided into four segments and inspired by historic mission trails and the Jubilee Year of St. Francis. The route was developed by Capuchin Franciscan Father Christopher Iwancio with historians and Archdiocese of San Francisco staff, drawing on the established pilgrimage route linking San Antonio’s missions with Spain’s Camino de Santiago. Churches and dioceses are also marking the Jubilee Year with pilgrimages, pet blessings, relic veneration, processions and opportunities for plenary indulgences under the Church’s usual conditions. Other observances include the Transitus of St. Francis, the traditional commemoration of his death held on the eve of his feast day.