Franciscans mark 800th death anniversary

Franciscan communities are marking the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi’s death with jubilee observances centered on his faith, humility, care for creation and commitment to peace. In Washington, D.C., the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land plans a blessing of animals, a neighborhood procession, a Transitus prayer service and a feast-day Mass, with pilgrims able to receive a blessing with a relic. In Pakistan, Franciscan fraternities commemorated the anniversary with a jubilee celebration featuring prayers, a performance about the saint and a message from Archbishop Arshad urging humility and service. Celebrations in Italy include a concert featuring the premiere of the “Messa dei 12” and a service in the basilica. A Vancouver parish is also observing the jubilee alongside its 90th anniversary, as it plans repairs to its historic church and reflects on its role in the community.