On October 3, 2026, the Franciscan Family in the Philippines gathered at the Quadricentennial Pavilion of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the transitus of St. Francis of Assisi. The national celebration was held under the theme “800 Years of the Easter of St. Francis of Assisi: Sowing Peace, Healing Creation, and Embracing the Poor.”
The gathering brought together members of the various branches of the Franciscan Family to honor the life and legacy of their Seraphic Father and renew their commitment to his spiritual heritage.
The program began with the solemn reception of a relic of St. Francis of Assisi, which was on pilgrimage. The ceremony was presided over by Friar Dennis M. VARGAS, Provincial Custos of the Provincial Custody of the Immaculate Conception and Bl. Bonaventure of Potenza in the Philippines. This was followed by the celebration of a Mass presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Jose ADVINCULA, Archbishop of Manila.
After the Mass, Friar Filemon I. DELA CRUZ Jr., OP, Prior Provincial of the Dominican Province of the Philippines, delivered the welcoming address. He then offered the traditional abrazo, or fraternal embrace, to the Superiors of the various branches of the Franciscan First Order as a sign of fraternity between the Dominican and Franciscan families.
The daylong celebration featured a variety of performances and activities, including dances and an awards ceremony honoring the winners of a songwriting competition. One of the highlights was a theatrical presentation entitled “Poverello: Ang Dukha ng Assisi,” which depicted the life of St. Francis of Assisi. The performance brought together Franciscan men and women in formation, along with members of the Franciscan Youth (YouFra).
Through these activities, the national celebration of the transitus of St. Francis offered the Franciscan Family in the Philippines an opportunity to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Francis’ death and renew its commitment to the values that continue to shape Franciscan life: peace, care for creation, and solidarity with the poor.
Friar Jude M. SANDIG
Photo credits: Kapatirang Capuchino ng Pilipinas (Capuchin Fraternity of the Philippines), UST Central Seminary, and Inter-Franciscan Ministers Conference of the Philippines.
