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NAVIGATION

The Transitus:
St. Francis’s passage from death to eternal life


The 800th anniversary of the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi will be commemorated on October 3, 2026, by Franciscans around the world. The Transitus is observed through an evening prayer service that commemorates St. Francis’s passage from death to eternal life, and you are invited to participate at a Franciscan church. Click here to find churches in the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe. 

During the service, we read and reflect on the Gospel passage that Francis asked his brothers to read aloud while he was on his death bed: John 13: 1-17. In this passage, Jesus washes the feet of the disciples – an act of humble service that Francis used as a model for his life. Through the Transitus service, we renew our own commitment to following Jesus through the example of St. Francis of Assisi. 
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Transitus reflections

June 30, 2026

Friars mark 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis

Read More

Resources for the 800th anniversary of the Transitus of St. Francis

Below are resources to commemorate the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’s passing from the Committee of the Franciscan Family for the Franciscan Centenary: 

 

The Death of St. Francis in 1226: Looking Back after 800 Years

 

Diverse historical documents describe the death of St. Francis in 1226 in very different ways.  Who was present?  What did he say? Where was he buried? As we begin this year of remembering Eighth Centenary of his death, what can we learn about his final days and his peaceful passing? Br. Bill Short, OFM, explores these questions in a lecture hosted by the Franciscan School of Theology. 

Novena of Companions for the Eighth Centenary of the Transitus 

 

This novena extends from Sept. 25 to Oct. 3 and gives voice to nine companions of St. Francis of Assisi who are buried near his tomb: Sylvester, Bernard of Quintavalle, Lady Jacoba, Masseo, William of England, Angelo Tancredi, John of England, Rufino, and Leo. The novena follows the four movements of prayer expressed by St. Clare in her letter to St. Agnes of Prague. It is available in English, Spanish, Italian and Polish on the Conventual Franciscans’ website.

 

 

Pope Leo’s Prayer to St. Francis of Assisi

 

Saint Francis, our brother, you who eight hundred years ago
went to meet Sister Death as a man at peace, 
intercede for us before the Lord. 
 
You recognized true peace in the Crucifix of San Damiano, 
teach us to seek in Him the source of all reconciliation 
that breaks down every wall. 
 
You who, unarmed, crossed the lines of war 
and misunderstanding, 
give us the courage to build bridges 
where the world raises up boundaries. 
 
In this time afflicted by conflict and division, 
intercede for us so that we may become
peacemakers: 
unarmed and disarming witnesses of the peace that
comes from Christ. 
 
Amen

Francis of Assisi: A Seed for Eternal Life – The Spiritual Legacy of a Christian Man

 

Eight hundred years ago, St. Francis left this world, but the seed he planted continues to germinate. This reflection guide provides an introduction to St. Francis’s spirituality so that we can better understand his intentions and, in doing so, renew our call to follow Christ.

This resource is available in Italiano - English - Español - Deutsch - Français - Hrvatski - Polski - Português - Magyar

Guidelines to Celebrate the Easter of St. Francis 

 

This document outlines helpful themes for those who are planning commemorative events. 

This resource is available in Italiano - English - Español 

Centenary of the Transit of St. Francis Worksheets 

 

Drawing on the richness of the Franciscan sources and the Bible, these worksheets are tools for individual or communal reflection on the life of St. Francis.  

This resource is available in Italiano - English - Español - Deutsch - Français - Hrvatski - Polski - Português - Slovenščina
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Upcoming Events

Sept 30

Talk: The Role of Secular Franciscans Today

12:15-1 p.m.

Dr. C. Vanessa White, FSO, D-Minn., presenting.

Click here for more information

St. Peter’s in the Loop 110 W. Madison St. Chicago, IL 60602
Oct 1

Blessing of the Animals

5:30 p.m.
The Franciscan Center 3010 N. Perry Ave. Tampa, FL 33603
Oct 2

Faure Requiem, St. Mary’s Chamber Choir

7 p.m.
Click here for more information 
St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church 17 Pompton Ave. Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442
Oct 2

Picturing Francis

7 p.m.
St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church 285 Church St. Hartford, CT 06103
Oct 2

Transitus of St. Francis

6:30 p.m.
Click here for more information
Sacred Heart Catholic Church 509 N. Florida Ave. Tampa, FL 33602
Oct 2

Mural Blessing

7:30 p.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church 509 N. Florida Ave. Tampa, FL 33602
Oct 3

Celebration of the Feast of St. Francis

4-7 p.m.

Petting zoo and family activities. Bring your pets in costume. Outdoor Mass at 5 p.m., The Blessing of the Animals at 6 p.m. 

St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church 17 Pompton Ave. Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442
Oct 3

Transitus with Music

7-8:30 p.m.

A musical prayer remembering St. Francis’ death.

Click here for more information

St. Peter’s in the Loop 110 W. Madison St. Chicago, IL 60602
Oct 3

Transitus of Saint Francis

7 p.m.
Click here for more information
Church of the Transfiguration 25225 Code Rd. Southfield, MI 48033
Oct 3

Blessing of the Animals

12:00 pm

Noon, upper church

Church of St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church 135 West 31st St. New York, NY 10001
Oct 3

Transitus prayer service

6:30 p.m.
Church of St. Francis of Assisi Click here for more information St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church 285 Church St. Hartford, CT 06103
Oct 3

Blessing of the Animals

10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
School playground, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 810 W. Chapel Hill St. Durham, NC 27701
Oct 4

Feast of St. Francis: Blessing of the animals

1p.m.
Click here for more information 
St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church 17 Pompton Ave. Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442
Oct 4

Feast of Saint Francis: Sunday Mass

8 and 11 a.m.
Click here for more information
Church of the Transfiguration 25225 Code Rd. Southfield, MI 48033
Oct 4

Feast Day of St. Francis

12:30 p.m.

Blessing of animals outdoors on Madison Street

Click here for more information

St. Peter’s in the Loop 110 W. Madison St. Chicago, IL 60602
Oct 4

Feast of Saint Francis

9 and 11 a.m.

Solemn Masses

Click here for more information

St. Peter’s in the Loop 110 W. Madison St. Chicago, IL 60602
Oct 4

Blessing of the Animals

2:30-3:45 p.m.

In front of Macy's in Downtown Crossing 

Click here for more information

St. Anthony Shrine 100 Arch St. Boston, MA 02110
Oct 4

Care of Creation Mass

10 a.m.
St. Anthony Shrine 100 Arch St. Boston, MA 02110
Oct 4

Franciscan Topics with Garrett Galvin, OFM, and Angela Zauktcke, PhD

1-2:30 p.m.
St. Anthony Shrine 100 Arch St. Boston, MA 02110
Oct 4

Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

11 a.m., 5 p.m.

Morning liturgy: James Bernard, OFM; Afternoon liturgy: Michael Perry, OFM 

Click here for more information 

Church of St. Francis of Assisi 135 W. 31st St. New York, NY 10001
Oct 4

Parish Party

3:30-6:30 p.m.

Click here for more information 

Food truck and beverages, kids' activities, outdoors in garden; bring a dessert. RSVP online.

St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church 285 Church St. Hartford, CT 06103
Oct 14

El Corazón de mi entrana

12:15-1 p.m.

A program of bolero, danza and art song of Puerto Rican composures that weaves together tales of love, loss, heartbreak and nostalgia. Eric Miranda, baritone; Gabrielle Timofeeva Lopez, mezzo soprano; Paula Gelpi, piano, performing.

Click here for more information

St. Peter’s in the Loop 110 W. Madison St. Chicago, IL 60602
Nov 8

A Musical Tribute to Saint Francis

2–4 p.m.
Click here for more information
Church of the Transfiguration 25225 Code Rd. Southfield, MI 48033
Dec 13

The Christmas Crib at Greccio

2–4 p.m.
Click here for more information
Church of the Transfiguration 25225 Code Rd. Southfield, MI 48033
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