Pope Francis proclaimed Jubilee 2025 as a holy year of hope, which began Christmas Eve 2024 and concludes Jan. 6, 2026. Additional information about observing Jubilee 2025 is available at https://stcdio.org/jubilee-2025-pilgrims-of-hope/.
The practice of pilgrimage has a special place in the holy year because it represents the journey each person makes in this life. The St. Cloud Diocese is home to many sacred sites for people to visit. Bishop Patrick M. Neary, CSC, has encouraged parishioners to pray at these sites throughout the year as well as with the diocese’s religious communities.
The Central Minnesota Catholic introduced a Jubilee Passport to encourage people to participate in pilgrimages and perform corporal and spiritual acts of mercy which may provide eligibility to receive plenary indulgences during this year. The passport may be downloaded at https://stcdio.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2025-Jubilee-Passport-11-19-24-FINAL-web.pdf.
Where is Sacred Heart Chapel located?
The chapel is located at St. Francis Convent, 116 8th Ave. SE, in Little Falls. The door, where pilgrims enter with the intention of leaving old things behind, leads into the chapel’s gathering space.
What are the important features of the chapel?
Sacred Heart Chapel was completed in 1943, with Romanesque arches in the nave that focus attention on the sanctuary, while the half-pillars which support them suggest strength and stability. The chapel is rich with stained glass windows, statuary and paintings.
The San Damiano Cross, located behind the main altar in Sacred Heart Chapel, is painted in the style of an icon, a replica of one St. Francis of Assisi prayed when discerning his own vocation.
The 14 semicircular windows on each side of the chapel coincide with the stanzas of St. Francis’ “Canticle of the Creatures.” Alternating with the windows are the Stations of the Cross, sculpted from white oak.
The rose window (west wall) is a mosaic with symbols of Jesus, justice, knowledge, power and glory, the evangelists and the apostles. Clerestory windows represent the events in Jesus’ life.
Windows across the north wall represent Jesus surrounded by archangels, prophets, apostles and martyrs. In the four corners are the four evangelists, and the east wall depicts the Virgin Mary along with Isaiah who prophesied the virgin birth and Gideon whose fleece symbolizes purity.
On the chapel’s outer brick wall (south) is a white stone relief of St. Francis of Assisi with a wolf and birds.
What to do when you visit:
The Franciscans have compiled a booklet, “A Pilgrim’s Companion,” to be shared with people visiting Sacred Heart Chapel during the Jubilee Year of Hope. This booklet invites visitors to contemplate the Year of Hope logo and includes excerpts from Pope Francis’ announcement, a welcome to pilgrims, suggestions for meditation and prayers, and a map of the significant statues and paintings within the chapel.
- Pilgrims may visit Sacred Heart Chapel anytime from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Sunday, or by appointment by calling 320-632-2981.
- Visitors may join the Franciscan Sisters in Sacred Heart Chapel: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday at 11 a.m. (Mass); Thursday at 11 a.m. (Liturgy of the Word); Sunday at 9:30 a.m. (Mass); and evening prayer at 4:15 p.m. daily.
For general information, call the Franciscan Sisters at 320-632-2981 or visit www.fslf.org.