20/10/2026
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI: THE SAINT WHO EMBRACED POVERTY, PEACE, AND THE GOSPEL
Br. Clifford Moses OFS
Following the celebration of the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi on October 3 and his feast on October 4, some people wondered who St. Francis was and why Franciscans celebrate these events in the Catholic Church. This presents an opportunity to learn about one of the most beloved saints in the history of Christianity.
Who Was St. Francis of Assisi?
St. Francis of Assisi was born around 1181 or 1182 in Assisi, Italy. He was born into a wealthy family and initially enjoyed the pleasures and ambitions of worldly life. However, after experiencing a profound spiritual conversion, he abandoned his pursuit of wealth and social status to follow Christ more closely through a life of poverty, humility, prayer, and service to the poor.
Francis was deeply inspired by the Gospel and sought to live it faithfully. He embraced lepers, cared for the poor, promoted peace, and regarded every person as his brother or sister. He also developed a special love for God's creation, seeing all creatures as part of God's family. His life attracted many followers, and this gave rise to the Franciscan movement, which continues to serve the Church and humanity today.
Who Are the Franciscans?
Franciscans are men and women who follow the spiritual vision of St. Francis of Assisi. We seek to live according to the Gospel in the spirit of poverty, humility, fraternity, peace, and love for all creation.
The Franciscan family includes religious brothers, priests, sisters, and laypeople. Among its major branches are the Order of Friars Minor (OFM, OFM Capuchin, OFM Conventual), the Order of St. Clare (Poor Clares), the Third Order Regular (TOR) and the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS).
While some Franciscans live in religious communities, others live ordinary lives as laypeople, including as married people and professionals. Secular Franciscans remain in their families and workplaces while striving to bring the Gospel into their daily lives. Through their different vocations, Franciscans contribute to the Church's mission through prayer, evangelisation, education, care for the poor, and other works of charity.
What Is the Transitus of St. Francis?
The word Transitus means passage or transition. In the Franciscan tradition, it refers to the passing of St. Francis from earthly life into eternal life on the evening of October 3, 1226.
Franciscans commemorate the Transitus on October 3 through prayer, Scripture readings, reflection, and other devotional activities. It is not a celebration of death as an end, but a remembrance of Francis's faithful journey with Christ and his passage into eternal life. His final moments remind Christians to prepare for death with faith, hope, and trust in God.
Why Is October 4 Celebrated as His Feast?
October 4 is the liturgical feast of St. Francis of Assisi in the Catholic Church. On this day, the Church remembers his holiness, celebrates his witness to the Gospel, and encourages the faithful to imitate his virtues.
St. Francis was canonised by Pope Gregory IX in 1228, less than two years after his death. His influence has endured for centuries, inspiring Christians across the world to embrace simplicity, care for the poor, seek reconciliation, and respect God's creation.
Why Should Catholics Know About St. Francis?
St. Francis is not merely a saint for Franciscans; he is a saint for the whole Church. His life challenges Christians to put the Gospel into practice rather than merely professing it with their lips. His example calls us to love those who are neglected, forgive those who offend us, live simply, promote peace, and become responsible stewards of creation.
The celebration of the Transitus on October 3 and the feast of St. Francis on October 4 is therefore an invitation to discover his spirituality and understand the Franciscan presence within the Catholic Church.
Conclusion
St. Francis of Assisi remains a powerful witness to the transforming love of Jesus Christ. His message is simple but demanding: live the Gospel, love God, serve the poor, embrace peace, and recognise the goodness of God's creation.
The next time you see Franciscans wearing their habits, carrying the Tau cross, or organising celebrations in honour of St. Francis, remember that they are continuing a spiritual tradition that began more than eight centuries ago. Their mission is to follow Christ in the footsteps of St. Francis, bringing the Gospel from the altar into everyday life.
The Lord give you peace.
