THE Capuchin friars in Brisbane remembered the life and death of their patron St Francis of Assisi in a two-day celebration last week.
As well as celebrating the feast day for St Francis, observed by Catholics on October 4, Franciscans worldwide also celebrate his passing from life to death on the eve of his feast day, known as the Transitus.
Traditionally the liturgy for the Transitus begins with a procession of a Franciscan habit, along with five red candles to symbolise his sacred stigmata wounds.
The Gospel read during the Liturgy is the same one read to St Francis before he died.
The Transitus of St Francis of Assisi has been an important annual devotion for all Franciscans.
Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Oudeman con-celebrated the Mass for the feast day on October 4 with Brisbane’s Capuchin friars at St Mary’s Church, South Brisbane.
Capuchin Father Dean Mathieson said the two important Franciscan celebrations were a “great way to share the Franciscan charism with the community”.
Fr Mathieson moved to Brisbane from the Melbourne community in early September.
The Capuchins will host a four-week series on the lives of the saints and blessed of the Church, beginning with the life of St Francis of Assisi presented by the Capuchin Friars.
Other saints include Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and St Thomas Aquinas.
The free event begins on October 16 from 6pm at St Mary’s Church, South Brisbane.
