Over the weekend of Oct. 3-5, the Province rejoiced in the life and example of St. Francis of Assisi, whose religious revolution continues 800 years after his luminous journey in this world came to an end.

Our fraternities in Boston welcomed three young men who are considering Capuchin life to our transitus liturgy, where we recounted the final hours of Francis’ life before his soul ascended to God. The service concluded with the veneration of a relic of St. Francis.

The next day, Saturday, was the solemnity itself. All of our parishes celebrated the Eucharist with high festive liturgies, from St. Michael-St. Malachy Parish in Brooklyn to St. Pius X Parish in Middletown, Conn. No Capuchin celebration of St. Francis would be complete without the traditional blessing of the animals, a custom much beloved among our parishioners. 

Sacred Heart High School in Yonkers, N.Y., devoted a week to remembering Francis through prayer and service. Through a brown dress-down day and Capuchin Bingo, students raised $1,000 to support Capuchin Mobile Ministries. Students also created 100 friendship cards for the residents of the Cabrini nursing home in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., and collected more than 350 items for the Yonkers Animal Shelter.

The community was equally enriched by moments of prayer and reflection. On Instruments of Peace Day (Wednesday, Oct. 1), students reflected on how they could bring peace to their families, classrooms, and wider community, contributing their insights to a school-wide peace banner. That evening, members of Campus Ministry participated in a parish Mass dedicated to ending violence.

Transitus service at San Lorenzo Friary, Jamaica Plain, Mass.