In the Footsteps of St. Francis
The 800th anniversary of the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi officially opened January 10, 2026. The ceremony took place at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in Assisi which houses the Portiuncula. (To see photos and more from the event please visit the Franciscan Centenaries website: www.centenarifrancescani.org)
Following this event, the Ministers General of the Franciscan Family shared a letter A Seed of Eternal Life. The letter reflects on the Franciscan charism eight hundred years after the death of St. Francis and presents the Centenary as a time of renewal and personal and communal responsibility. The three main sections include –
The Encounters That Change Everything
The Church: Poor yet Fertile Soil
Brothers for Bringing Peace to the World
In summary, the letter ends with The Seed Continues to Germinate – The seed of Francis continues to germinate. It is up to us to make it bear fruit.
The Appendix includes prayers, action steps, and prompts for reflection.
The letter is available in seven languages. To download a PDF of the letter and to read more, please visit the Order website: ofmconv.net
Pope Leo XIV wrote a letter to the Ministers General on the occasion of the opening event:
In commemorating the significant anniversary of the eighth centenary of his passing, I wish to join spiritually with the entire Franciscan Family and with all those who will take part in the commemorative events, hoping that the message of peace may find a profound echo in the Church and society today.
The Pope offered the following prayer that Saint Francis of Assisi may continue to instill in all of us perfect joy and harmony:
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
