Basilica of St Francis hosts Nine Days with Francis from 24 September
Published on 09/27/2026 at 17:39 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Basilica of St Francis (Basilica di San Francesco) in Assisi is the first basilica stop for Nine Days with Francis, a novena running from 24 September to 2 October 2026. On 24 September, a procession from Chiesa Nuova is scheduled to reach the church before Vespers with a sermon.
Nine Days with Francis reaches the basilica on 24 September
The programme is organised by the Municipality of Assisi with the Franciscan families and the Diocese of Assisi, in collaboration with local organisations. The official programme describes the novena as a series of prayer and reflection events marking the eighth centenary of the death of St Francis.
The opening day links two places associated with the saint’s life. Guided visits at Chiesa Nuova are followed by a procession at 5.30pm, then Vespers at the Basilica of St Francis at 6.30pm. The 24 September programme identifies both the procession and the basilica service.
From 25 September, the route continues to the Cathedral of San Rufino, Piazza del Comune, the Sanctuary of the Spoliation, the Hermitage of the Carceri, San Damiano, Rivotorto and Santa Maria degli Angeli. The programme ends on 2 October at Villa Gualdi, while a separate walking pilgrimage on 3 October is due to return to the lower church for Midnight Mass.
The Upper and Lower Churches frame the novena route
The complex contains an Upper Church, a Lower Church and the crypt holding the remains of St Francis. The custodian’s English-language site also identifies Giotto’s frescoes in the Upper Church, the Lower Church as a place of meditation and the Treasury Museum among the visitor areas.
That arrangement gives the opening event a precise setting: the procession arrives at the lower church, where the first Vespers service of the novena is scheduled. Later, the 3 October pilgrimage will follow a route through San Damiano and Santa Chiara before reaching the same basilica complex.
The custodian lists the event as part of the preparations for the Feast of St Francis. Its programme also shows a separate celebration at the basilica on 4 October, connected with the eighth centenary of the saint’s death.
The custodian’s event listing places the novena within a wider programme involving the Franciscan sites of Assisi.
Visiting Basilica of St Francis: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- The novena runs from 24 September to 2 October 2026. On 24 September, the procession leaves Chiesa Nuova at 5.30pm and Vespers at the basilica is scheduled for 6.30pm.
- The 24 September service is listed at the Basilica of St Francis. The later 3 October pilgrimage and Midnight Mass require registration under the published programme.
- The complex is in Assisi, in Umbria, and the programme also uses Chiesa Nuova, San Damiano, Santa Chiara and Santa Maria degli Angeli as locations.
- Visitors find separate Upper and Lower Churches, a crypt containing the remains of St Francis, Giotto’s frescoes and the Treasury Museum.
- Italy’s official language is Italian and its national currency is the euro.
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Frequently asked questions about Basilica of St Francis
When does Nine Days with Francis take place at Basilica of St Francis?
The novena runs from 24 September to 2 October 2026. Its opening procession and Vespers take place on 24 September.
What is Basilica of St Francis?
It is a basilica complex in Assisi with Upper and Lower Churches, a crypt containing the remains of St Francis, Giotto’s frescoes and a Treasury Museum.
Where is Basilica of St Francis and how do you get there?
It is in Assisi, Umbria. The 24 September programme approaches the church from Chiesa Nuova by procession.
