Transitus of St Francis of Assisi

On the evening of the 3rd of October, Franciscans around the world celebrate the transitus (passing) of St Francis from this life to eternal life with the Father in Heaven. When we gather for the Tranistus we recount the last hours of St Francis life. As Francis lay dying in the Portiuncula he asked for certain readings to be read and pslams to be sung- we listen to the same readings and sing the same psalms.

As we untie ourselves in prayer with our Franciscan brothers and sisters around the world, we pray in a particular way for peace and an end to COVID-19.

This year’s celebrations in Ireland, and in many other places, have been impacted upon by COVID restrictions. However, in the midst of this, let us take a moment from our evening to be still and embrace the presence of the Lord in our lives.

Lord make me a instrument of your peace

(Pictured: The Transitus from the Oratory in the Capuchin Friary Rochestown, Cork)