On October 4, 2023, the Solemnity of St. Francis of Assisi, another Region of Italy, this year Valle d’Aosta, was once again invited to Assisi to bring an offering oil in order to fuel the “Votive Lamp of the Municipalities of Italy,” which burns before the tomb of the Seraphic Father.
Many civil and ecclesial authorities and ordinary people came as pilgrims to celebrate the Saint of Assisi in his town and basilica.
Among the important events during the feast day was the celebration of solemn Mass with the lighting of the Lamp; speeches by some of the civil and ecclesial authorities, including our Minister General, Friar Carlos TROVARELLI; lunch at the Sacred Convent with guests and friends of the community; solemn Evening Prayer; the procession to the Upper Basilica; the blessing of Italy and the world with the relic of the Assisi chartula; and the singing of the Canticle of the Creatures to a melody composed by Friar Domenico STELLA, OFM Conv.
In his address to the authorities, faithful and pilgrims, the Minister General said: “As we celebrate the Solemnity of St. Francis of Assisi, we realize not only his holiness, which is a gift for the whole Church, but also his being a brother and a guide for all those who sincerely seek to build a new world that is more just, more fraternal and more respectful of the dignity and freedom of every human being. Indeed, we do not want to forget today’s unjust disparities and inequalities that continue to fuel factions, divisions and even wars, which force thousands of men and women to leave their homeland at the risk of their lives. As Pope Francis teaches us, we want the cry of peace, fraternity and social friendship to rise once again from Assisi, the City of Peace, in favor of all the existential and urban peripheries of our nation.”
Finally, one other special event that took place during this year’s feast day was the official meeting of the National Committee for the Celebration of the 800th Anniversary of the Death of St. Francis of Assisi. The Committee was established by the Italian Ministry of Culture and is chaired by poet Davide RONDONI. The participants met in the press room of the Sacred Convent.
It was also possible to follow the celebration online. The event was live-streamed by Friars Riccardo GIACON and Simone TENUTI on the basilica’s official YouTube channel: @BasilicasanFrancescodAssisi.
The faithful had the opportunity to light a virtual candle before St. Francis by visiting the website: www.festadisanfrancesco.org.
Friar Giulio CESAREO
