On Saturday, October 10, 2026, the Franciscan Family in Zambia gathered at St. John’s Convent School in Kitwe to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the transitus of St. Francis of Assisi (1226–2026). The solemn and joyful Mass brought together friars, members of various religious congregations, clergy, and lay faithful from Zambia and beyond. The gathering marked a significant moment in the celebrations marking the eighth centenary of the death of the Seraphic Father.
The Mass was presided over by the Most Reverend Benjamin PHIRI, Archbishop of Ndola, Zambia. Among the concelebrants was Friar Mathews KASONGO, Minister Provincial of the Province of the Franciscan Protomartyrs in Zambia, which also includes our Conventual Franciscan presence in Malawi.
In his homily, Archbishop PHIRI called on the Franciscan Family to embody the Gospel values exemplified by St. Francis, particularly humility, simplicity, poverty, love, and service to those who are marginalized, wounded, or forgotten. He urged the faithful to remain true to the Gospel and warned against celebrating the Saint’s legacy without putting his teachings into practice.
“We can speak about poverty while our hearts are imprisoned by possession; we can preach humility while secretly competing for positions. We can celebrate eight hundred years of Francis and still refuse to forgive a brother who wounded us,” the Archbishop cautioned, reminding those present that authentic Franciscan spirituality must be reflected in everyday life.
In his address, Friar Mathews KASONGO thanked the organizing committee for its work in preparing the Mass and emphasized the significance of the anniversary for the Franciscan Family worldwide. He called for greater unity, love, and collaboration among the different Franciscan Orders and congregations.
Reflecting on the challenges posed by divisions within the Franciscan Family, particularly within the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS), he explained that the transitus invites Franciscans to move from division to communion, from isolation to fraternity, and from fear to the freedom of love. He stressed that reconciliation was a necessary risk for the Church in Zambia today. He therefore encouraged Franciscans to embrace dialogue, forgive one another, and renew their common witness.
“The risk Francis asks us to take is not the risk of defending ourselves, but of opening our hearts; not of winning an argument, but of recovering a brother or sister,” he said, encouraging the faithful to sow peace, seek unity, and begin anew in the spirit of St. Francis.
Earlier in the Mass, Friar Eliam Kondwani PHIRI, Provincial Secretary, welcomed those gathered and thanked everyone who had traveled to attend the celebration, especially the Friends of the Franciscan Friars from various parts of Zambia and from Mzimba, Malawi.
He recalled that the anniversary marked the culmination of a four-year spiritual journey for the worldwide Franciscan Family. This journey had focused on the approval of the Rule and the celebration of the Christmas at Greccio (2023), the Stigmata of St. Francis at La Verna (2024), the Canticle of the Creatures (2025), and finally the Transitus of St. Francis in 2026.
Friar Eliam also spoke about the example of St. Francis, who teaches that the greatness of life is measured not by achievements, possessions, or position, but by trust in God and fidelity to the Gospel. As he approached death, Francis welcomed Sister Death with the same trust with which he had embraced life, leaving a lasting example of surrender, simplicity, and peace.
During the gathering, Friar Luke CHILAMBWE, Chairperson of the Conventual Franciscan Caritas, appealed for financial support for the construction of a house for the friars serving in the Diocese of Mansa, Zambia. He invited benefactors and members of the faithful to contribute 10 Zambian kwacha (ZMW 10) toward the cost of a brick or 200 Zambian kwacha (ZMW 200) toward the cost of a bag of cement. The initiative aims to encourage shared participation in the project, reflecting the Franciscan values of generosity, solidarity, and shared responsibility for the mission of the Church.
The commemorative Mass was more than a remembrance of the death of St. Francis; it was also an opportunity for the Franciscan Family to renew its commitment to the Gospel, fraternity, reconciliation, and service. As the Church gives thanks for eight centuries of Franciscan witness, the celebration reaffirmed the call to follow Christ faithfully, serve others with love, and become instruments of peace in the world.
The central message of the day was clear: the legacy of St. Francis must not only be celebrated but also lived. Inspired by his example, the Franciscan Family was encouraged to walk together in unity, forgive one another, and bear witness through their lives to a fraternity that embraces every human person.
Friar Eliam Kondwani PHIRI, Provincial Secretary
