Retreat House welcomes pilgrims, retreatants seeking plenary indulgence
Southern Nebraska Register
Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House announced its designation as a pilgrimage site for the Year of St. Francis of Assisi, the extraordinary jubilee year proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death.
Throughout 2026, the faithful who visit the retreat house chapel to pray as pilgrims or retreatants can receive the special plenary indulgence granted for the sacred year.
“We are honored to serve as a pilgrimage destination during this extraordinary jubilee year,” said Father Gary Coulter, director of Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House. “Our deep Franciscan roots make this particularly meaningful. St. Francis’ spirit of prayer, simplicity, and devotion to Christ has been woven into the fabric of this place since its founding.”
The retreat house’s Franciscan heritage spans more than six decades. Franciscan Fathers established the first retreat house in the Diocese of Lincoln in 1963 and directed it for 15 years until 1978. The retreat house shares its grounds with the Marycrest Motherhouse of the Marian Sisters of the Diocese of Lincoln, a Franciscan religious order, and serves as headquarters for the Knights of the Holy Eucharist, a Franciscan association.
“The Franciscan charism of humble service and contemplative prayer continues to shape our mission today,” Father Coulter said. “Just as St. Francis sought quiet places to encounter the Lord, we provide a sacred space where people can retreat from the noise of daily life and deepen their relationship with Christ.”
According to the official decree from the Apostolic Penitentiary, a plenary indulgence is granted under the usual conditions—sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion, and prayer according to the intentions of the Holy Father—to all the faithful who, with hearts detached from sin, visit any place of worship connected to St. Francis. Pilgrims are invited to spend time in pious meditation, raise prayers to God, and reflect on St. Francis’ example of charity, harmony and peace, concluding with the Our Father, the Creed, and invocations to the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Clare, and all the saints of the Franciscan family.
The plenary indulgence may be applied either for oneself or for the souls in Purgatory. The Year of St. Francis will continue until Jan. 10, 2027.
Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House welcomes pilgrims to visit the chapel for prayer and invites all who come on retreat to receive the abundant graces of the jubilee year. Pilgrims planning a visit are asked to contact the retreat house in advance to ensure the prayerful atmosphere for retreatants is maintained.
“This jubilee of St. Francis is a beautiful invitation for people to rediscover the transformative power of pilgrimage and prayer,” Father Coulter said. “Whether you come for a few moments in our chapel or spend several days on retreat, we welcome you to experience the peace and renewal that St. Francis himself sought in quiet communion with God.”
For more information about visiting Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House as a pilgrimage site or to schedule a retreat, contact the retreat house at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 402-786-2705.
