The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption in San Francisco has opened its doors to an exhibition as part of the St. Francis’ 800 Year Jubilee Celebration, featuring sacred relics and works of art from Assisi, Italy. The moment offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to view sacred treasures that have never left Assisi before.

The opening event on October 14th welcomed representatives from both Assisi and San Francisco. First established as official sister cities in 1969 through their shared name and devotion to Saint Francis, the two cities reaffirmed their strong connection during a meeting at San Francisco City Hall. There, Mayor Daniel Lurie met with Assisi Mayor Valter Stoppini and his delegation to sign a Memorandum of Understanding strengthening the partnership between both cities.

“Eight hundred years since the passing of St. Francis of Assisi, and nearly 250 years since the roots of our city's name were established, our cities are bound together in a moment that only comes once in a lifetime,” Mayor Lurie stressed. “Let’s build an enduring partnership, a lasting youth exchange for the children of Assisi and the children of San Francisco to grow up knowing this bond. Not through books, but through each other”.

On the same note, Mayor Stoppini: “The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding goes far beyond mere form. With this agreement, we have renewed a shared journey: cultural exchanges, sustainable and caring tourism, and educational programs capable of inspiring young people. I hope that the bridge launched between Assisi and California will grow as a journey of ideas, desires, and concrete projects to be realized together.”

The exhibition, located in an intimate room in the back of the church, features remarkable artifacts on display, including a sacred relic containing the blood of St. Francis; the Bandage of the Stigmata, dating 1224; the famous St. Francis iconic mid-to-late 13th-century painting attributed to Cimabue; a late-Renaissance devotional painting on loan from the Palazzo Comunale in Assisi; and twenty-one California mission models built for the 1939 World's Fair on Treasure Island, alongside an illuminated manuscript of the Canticle of the Creatures.

Angela Alioto, International Director of the Knights of Saint Francis of Assisi at the Porziuncola Nuova, worked for two years to turn this historical moment into reality. While reflecting on the hard work and challenges involved, she could not hide her excitement: “It's incredible that this is happening in our city,” she said. “I believe it's in our city because we're the city of Saint Francis.”

Running for six weeks, until November 28th, this exhibition is open to the public free of charge, welcoming visitors of all backgrounds and faiths so everyone can experience the profound historical and spiritual significance.