Each year, on the evening of October 3, the Franciscan family throughout the world pauses to celebrate the solemnity of our Holy Father Francis’s Transitus, passing over from this life to the next.
In his famous Canticle of the Creatures, the saint from Assisi wrote “Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death, from whom no one living can escape.” That line, written near Francis’ own embrace of Sister Bodily Death, reflects the natural character and importance of death in the life of all creation. Francis was not afraid of what would come at the end of his earthly life, choosing instead to recognize in that experience, not an end, but a transition from one way of living to another. Even death itself, considered by all to be so terrible and hateful, was exhorted to give praise; while he himself, going joyfully to meet it, invited it to make its abode with him. “Welcome,” he said, “my sister death.” (Celano, Second Life.)
Join us Thursday, October 3, for a special service at St. Patrick – St. Anthony Church.
Musical leadership will be provided by the Gallery Choir.
Reception to follow.