October 4th is a special day for Franciscans and each community celebrates a little differently, but still we celebrate the gift of the remarkable life of our Founder, Francis of Assisi.
As I heard one Friar say, “Saint
Francis’ Feast Day is next to Christmas.” So with that in mind let me tell you
how our community celebrated.
Preparations began early in
the week. The house was cleaned, the liturgy was put together, choir practice
was held, groceries were bought, decorations were put in place and meetings
were held.
The Feast Day actually begins on the evening of October 3 (the day Francis died). The Friars and us Postulants gathered for Evening Prayer at 5:15 p.m. the prayer had a special focus on the life of St. Francis and of course how he draws us to Christ.
“Francis a thoroughly Catholic and apostolic man was
sent to prepare the way for the Gospel of peace.” – from Evening Prayer I
At 6:30 p.m. friends and
neighbours gathered in our chapel to celebrate the Transitus. The Transitus is a Franciscan devotion to ritually remember
the passing of Saint Francis from this life into God. This ritual takes
place each year, the evening of October 3rd. This special time of prayer
included music, a reading about the death of Francis, a reading from a letter
Francis wrote to Brother Leo and the gospel about the Washing of the Feet. This
is the gospel that Francis requested be read as he died. Following the gospel,
we were inspired by a homily that challenged us to trust in God and walk with
Francis. The Liturgy continued with prayers, the sign of peace and music.
“Brother Leo, health and peace from
Brother Francis! I advise you thus: In whatever way it seems better to you to
please the Lord God and to follow His footprint and poverty, do it with the
blessing of the Lord God and my obedience.” – from A Letter to Brother Leo
Following the
Liturgy we continued the celebration with a delicious potluck meal and
socializing. We opened up our Friary and guests gathered in our dining room and
living room and kitchen as we enjoyed good food, drink and company.
On October 4th,
our day began as usual with Morning Prayer at 7:00 a.m. – again a special focus
on the gift of St. Francis. We celebrated the Feast Day Mass at 7:30 a.m. with
special readings for the day. Following the Feast Day Mass we had coffee and
muffins!
“God’s praise was ever on his lips; he
called upon the stars, spirits, birds and all creation to praise the Creator.” – from Morning Prayer
We invited a few
guests to join us for Evening Prayer at 5:15 p.m. The prayers once again
focused on Francis walking with Christ. Following Prayer we sat down at our
Feast Day table to enjoy a delicious meal, celebrate Francis, the brotherhood
and community.
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| Feast Day Dessert |
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| Feast Day Table |
“Father you helped our seraphic father
Francis reflect the image of Christ through a life of poverty and humility. May
we follow your Son by walking in the footsteps of Francis of Assisi and by
imitating his joyful love.”
– from Evening Prayer II
We indeed
celebrate our beloved Francis well. It serves as a reminder of him and his love
for Christ and the world. It also serves as encouragement for us to continue to
walk in his footprints to bring Christ to the world!
To Father, Son and Spirit’s Name
Be honor, glory, blessing, praise;
And may Saint Francis’ merits, fame,
To heaven’s joy and bliss us raise!
Feel like you missed
out and want to celebrate Saint Francis?
Do it today…
enjoy a chocolate cake (to remind you of the brown habit), enjoy a glass of
Italian wine/soda (to remind you of his home) and then do an act of charity –
donate food or clothes, help a neighbour, say extra prayers (to remind you of
who Saint Francis was all about)!
Any day is a good
day to celebrate St. Francis!
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