Parishioners and guests visited a first-class relic of St. Francis of Assisi at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Orland Park following a noon Mass on June 28, 2026. The public could venerate the relic until evening vespers. St. Francis of Assisi Parish is an archdiocesan pilgrimage site for the Jubilee Year of St. Francis, observed through Jan. 10, 2027, marking the 800th anniversary of the passing of St. Francis of Assisi, a Catholic friar who founded the religious order of the Franciscans. Pope Leo XIV proclaimed the special Jubilee year inviting the faithful to reflect on the life and enduring legacy of St. Francis whose profound commitment to the Gospel, love for the poor and reverence for all of creation continues to inspire Christians eight centuries later. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

The 28th International Eucharistic Congress, held June 20-24, 1926, in the Archdiocese of Chicago, included Masses and holy hours at every Catholic church in the archdiocese; huge gatherings at Soldier Field; and a pilgrimage to the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, where nearly 1 million people participated in a Mass on the congress’ closing day.