On October 1-3, 2021, the Basilica of the Twelve Holy Apostles in Rome celebrated the Triduum of St. Francis. The Masses for first two days of the Triduum were celebrated at 6:30 p.m. and were presided over by the Postulator General Friar Zdzisław KIJAS.
In his homilies, Friar Zdzisław reflected on the holiness of St. Francis throughout history, the history of the Poor Man in his day and in our own time.
On Sunday, October 3, at 6:30 p.m., Evening Prayer I was celebrated, commemorating the Transitus of the Seraphic Father. The Guardian of the Friary of the Twelve Holy Apostles, Friar Francesco CELESTINO, presided. The Triduum was attended by many friars from the General Houses in Rome, men and women of the Secular Franciscan Order and local religious. Friar Francesco gave a reflection on the letters of the name FRANCESCO [St. Francis], the Patron Saint of Italy. F stood for fantasia [in the sense of “imagination”], which characterized the life and work of the Poor Man. Friar Francesco finished with O for ordine, [in the sense of “being orderly, disciplined”] which every baptized person must strive for in their daily lives.
The Mass on the Solemnity of St. Francis, October 4, 2021, was presided over by the Minister General, Friar Carlos A. TROVARELLI. He was joined by the Guardians of the General Houses and the other friars residing in Rome. Friar Carlos invited the faithful to imitate the Seraphic Father’s conformation to Christ and to follow the way he joyfully gave himself completely to God and to his brothers.
We thank the confreres of the Seraphicum International College in Rome for their liturgical service. Thanks as well to Friar Gennaro BECCHIMANZI and his choir, together with Friar Mark FOLGER, for their musical animation.
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