Lady Poverty Fraternity Presents
EVENTS
TRANSITUS
The Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi:
October 3rd
Every year, Franciscans from around the world gather on the evening of October 3rd to commemorate the passing of St. Francis of Assisi from this life to the next. We call this solemnity, Transitus.
St. Francis wrote in his Canticle of the Creatures, “Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death, from whom no one living can escape.”
Francis wrote this near the end of his own life, embracing Sister Bodily Death and reflecting on the meaning of death for all creation. He was not afraid, though. Rather, he recognized that death was not an end but simply a transition from one way of life to another.
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Greccio
In 1224, St. Francis had an idea to recreate the manger scene in his own native Italy. His friend, Giovanni Vellita, the Lord of Greccio, assisted in gathering help and spreading the word. Giovanni, a former military man, had since renounced the ways of the world to follow Francis.
The manger was prepared in a cave. Live animals were brought in, while villagers prepared torches and candles to light up the evening with a holy procession.
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This special night began the tradition of the manger scene or Presepio, as it is known in Italy. The idea of re-creating the manger soon spread throughout Catholic Europe, and remnants of Francis' original manger can still be found in Greccio, Italy.
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Franciscans celebrate Greccio each year near Christmas with songs, prayers, and feasts. It is a highlight for our Fraternity and a beloved custom.