The city named for St. Francis of Assisi is hosting some of his relics. The Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption on Gough Street is showing relics and art tied to the saint through Nov. 28, and the exhibit is free with no ticket required.
The Knights of Saint Francis of Assisi call it the first time the relics have been on public display on U.S. soil for six full weeks. The Archdiocese of San Francisco says the exhibit marks the Jubilee Year of St. Francis and the 250th anniversary of Mision San Francisco de Asis.
What is on view
According to the archdiocese, the exhibit includes blood from the side wound of St. Francis, normally kept at La Verna in Italy, and the famous Cimabue painting of the saint that served as his original coffin cover. There are also Renaissance paintings by Dono Dori of the stigmata and crucifixion of St. Francis, and an illuminated manuscript of the Canticle of the Creatures.
A separate display shows models of California's 21 missions, made for the 1939 World's Fair on Treasure Island and lent by Fred and Nancy Cline of Cline Cellars.
Visiting
The relics are in the cathedral sanctuary. SFGuide notes relics of St. Clare are also on view. Check the cathedral's Mass schedule before you go, since services take priority.