From the earliest days of the Franciscan Order, the followers of St. Francis of Assisi have gathered on the anniversary of his death to celebrate his Transitus, or passage from earthly life into everlasting life. The Transitus service is a commemoration of his death that was handed down by one of his brother friars, Brother Bonaventure, who witnessed his death in 1226, according to a news release from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland.
To commemorate that anniversary and the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, which is on Monday, Oct. 4, St. Francis of Assisi Church and Holy Family Church plan to hold special events that week.
Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 2 and 3, St. Francis of Assisi Church, 81 Court St., Belfast
On Saturday, Oct. 2, a Mass for St. Francis will be held at 4 p.m., followed by a Transitus service at 5 p.m. After the service, all can stay and watch a short movie on the life and impact of St. Francis of Assisi and his guidance in today’s world. Pizza and beverages will be provided at 5:30 p.m.
On Sunday, Oct. 3, in addition to a morning Mass at 8:30 a.m., Fr. Divine Fossoh will host a Blessing of the Animals service outside of the church at 2:30 p.m. in honor of St. Francis’ love of all of God’s creatures. All pets are welcome to be blessed and gently sprinkled with holy water.
Sunday, Oct. 3, Holy Family Church, 607 Sabattus St., Lewiston
Prince of Peace Parish will host a Transitus service following a 5 p.m. Mass. Members from the Franciscan family’s First Order (priests and lay brothers) and Third Order (religious and lay men and women who try to emulate St. Francis’ spirit by performing works of teaching, charity, and social service) will attend the service.
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