St. Anthony of Padua Secular Franciscan Fraternity celebrates the Transitus of St. Francis

The St. Anthony of Padua Secular Franciscan Fraternity of the Corpus Christi Diocese recently celebrated the Transitus of St. Francis at St. Joseph Church in Port Aransas. The Transitus is the annual celebration by Franciscans throughout the world of the passing of St. Francis from this life to life with God. It is celebrated the night of Oct. 3, the eve of his feast day. The word “transitus” comes from Latin, meaning passage or crossing.

There is no standard ritual for the transitus, and each fraternity celebrates the event differently. This celebration included a hymn, “All Creatures of Our God and King,” the Evening prayers from the Liturgy of the Hours, followed by reflections from St. Clare and St. Francis’ followers about his life and death. His hymn (Canticle of the Creatures), from which the opening hymn was penned, was discussed, and St. Francis bearing the wounds of Christ, that is, the stigmata.

The celebration continued afterward with light refreshments. Of note, this included almond cookies, which were a favorite delicacy of St. Francis. As he was dying, he made a request to one of his followers in Rome (Blessed Jacoba) to bring some to him in Assisi. 

For those unfamiliar with the Secular Franciscans, these men and women live in the secular world (lay people), living the Franciscan vocation by following the rule of St. Francis. Fraternities throughout the world meet monthly (minimally) in their communities to continue their formation of learning the Gospel life and carrying that apostolate to the world. 

For any individuals interested in exploring this calling, the St. Anthony of Padua fraternity typically meets on the first Saturday of each month in Room 4 at the Corpus Christi Cathedral. There is a social time from 9:30-10 a.m., followed by formation (10-11:45 a.m.) and a very brief business meeting. For more information, please feel free to contact Liz Conces @ (936) 344-1353 or at [email protected].