800TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TRANSITUS OF
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
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Minister’s Message for September 2026
Brothers and Sisters in Francis,
Brothers and Sisters in Christ and Francis,
As October 3rd approaches, we are preparing our hearts to commemorate the
Transitus of our Seraphic Father, Francis. I ask that every member of St. Anthony
Fraternity take time to contemplate on their vocation and Profession to the OFS
on that day…
We will be sharing a short In-Home Transitus service along with other options
through email if you can-not attend the Transitus Celebration at Holy Family
Catholic Church in Albuquerque. Another option would be to read one of Francis’
prayers or writings. Maybe you can sing the Canticle of the Sun. An-other thing
you can do is go on a nature walk or spend some time outside – even if just for a
few minutes. During that time, give thanks and praise to God for Creation and
for the blessings He has be-stowed on us during our lives.
We are coming to the end of the celebrations of the 800th Centenary with the
commemoration of the Anniversary of the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi, or
the Easter of St. Francis of Assisi, and we should always be reminded of our
Franciscan teachings and charisms as we put them into practice with our
families and those we encounter every day. As Father Art told us at our last
retreat: “We are still here. There is still something we are supposed to be doing.”
As we welcome our newly professed into our Fraternity and the Order, may we
be good examples of humility and love. May we be good sisters and brothers to
them as we help each other along the jour-ney toward our own transitus and
eternal life. And may we do what is ours to do…
Peace and blessings in Christ and Francis,
Israela Garcia, OFS
Servant Minister, St Anthony Community, OFS
