From 10 January the celebrations for the eighth centenary of the death of St Francis
Among the initiatives is the naming of the L'Aquila juvenile prison after the saint, who knew the darkness of prison
Key points
Pope Leo has also been invited to the events promoted for the eighth centenary of the transit of St Francis. The announcement came from Friar Marco Moroni, Custos of the Sacred Convent of Assisi, during the press conference "Saint Francis, an explosion of life", in which the activities of the National Committee for the eighth centenary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi were presented. Events will open on 10 January 2026, when the opening rite of the 8th Centenary of the Transit of St Francis will be held in the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Porziuncola. Then a year full of events and initiatives in Assisi and throughout Umbria. Among the initiatives are the catalogue of the medieval codices of the Ancient Fund of the Convent of Assisi, the 'Saint Francis Walks' project to enhance the Franciscan paths. The naming of the juvenile prison in L'Aquila after St Francis, who experienced the darkness of prison.
Eight hundred years ago the Poverello did not die, but 'transited'
."Eight hundred years ago, the Poverello did not die, but 'transited', that is, he passed from this earthly life to the eternal one, with a joy and serenity that still question and inspire today," the Franciscan friars underline. "Celebrating this centenary does not only mean remembering a historical event, but plunging into the profound meaning of a passing away that, as the great Chesterton said, made the stars never saw a man die so happy".
The ostension of the body of Francis is planned
."St Francis is the patron saint of Italy, but we wish to make Francis of Assisi, a gift to the world, known even more. It will be an international celebration. Obviously the Pope has been invited, not only for this occasion, but,' explained Moroni, 'also for other occasions during the Franciscan year in Assisi'. Frà Moroni announced that "there will be the ostension of the body of St Francis. We talk about his life and through his mortal remains we want to transmit the beauty of life". For the feast of St Francis, on 4 October next year, "we are preparing to make a festive moment into a solemnity with an international character. We want to make Francis of Assisi known to the world'. And precisely on 4 October next year, the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella will also arrive in Assisi.
Mantovano: unanimity for the bill to make St. Francis Day a national holiday
Undersecretary to the Presidency of the Council Alfredo Mantovano recalled the establishment of the national feast day of St Francis of Assisi, which was unanimously approved by parliamentarians. "The unanimity with which the bill was approved is not to be overlooked. It was not to be taken for granted, it was the result of patient parliamentary work, everyone's reasons were heard, and there was a search for resources, because this law has a financial burden since it is an extra day when most Italians do not work'. For the undersecretary, these 'are large and small signals that go in the direction of a sense of responsibility'. Stefania Proietti, president of the Umbria Region, recalled that 'Saint Francis embodies those values in which our country says it recognises itself,' stressing that it is 'very rare, perhaps unique, to have the unanimity of all the political forces for a law. It means recognising unity in Franciscan values: dialogue, peace, unity of intentions'.
