The Special Jubilee Year for the 8th Centenary of St. Francis' Transitus Officially Launched in the Philippines
- Dominus Est
- 10 hours ago
- 3 min read
by Margaux Salcedo
Pope Leo XIV has declared 2026 a special Jubilee Year for the 8th Centenary of the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi or his 800th death anniversary. (See the decree of the Apostolic Penitentiary here.)
In Italy, celebrations began on January 10, 2026, at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels in Porziuncola, which houses the so-called Chapel of the Transitus. The Ministers General of the Franciscan Family were all present: Br. Massimo Fusarelli OFM, Br. Carlos Alberto Trovarelli OFMConv, Br. Roberto Genuin OFMCap, Tibor Kauser OFS, together with Br. Amando Trujillo Cano and Sr. Daisy Kalamparamban, respectively Minister General of the Third Order Regular (TOR) and President of the International Franciscan Conference of the Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order Regular.
In the Philippines, the special jubilee year was officially opened at the Santuario de San Antonio in Makati, with rites led by Archbishop Charles John Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, and the Italian Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Davide Giglio, along with Archbishop Gilbert Garcera, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) together with bishop members of the CBCP, and Fr. Lino Gregorio Redoblado, OFM Minister Provincial of the Franciscan Province of San Pedro Bautista together with the Inter-Franciscan Ministers Conference of the Philippines (IFMCP) and the Franciscan community.
The Italian Embassy organized the playing of a silent film entitled Frate Sole, on the life of St. Francis of Assisi, brilliantly accompanied musically by Italian pianist Maestro Mario Mariani.
After the film/concert, Fr. Greg Redoblado, OFM, challenged the faithful to live anew the spirit of St. Francis:
"As Pope Leo XIV and the Ministers General remind us, these events are not only celebrations, fanfares and activities, they are invitations to conversion, to renewal and to living anew the spirit of St. Francis.
Allow me to leave you with 3 brief challenges from Pope Leo himself and Franciscan Ministers of this Centenary:
First. Be peacemakers.
St Francis teaches us that peace is God's gift but also our daily task. In a world of division, misinformation and violence, we are called to be—according to Pooe Leo—unarmed and disarming witnesses, choosing dialogue, listening, bridge-building in our families, communities, church and public life.
Second. Love for creation. Peace embraces the whole family of creation. In a nation vulnerable to floods, devastation, and the suffering of the poor, care for our common home is integral. And it is urgent. To love creation today is to defend life, protect the most vulnerable, and live simply and responsibly.
Finally, live the gospel with simplicity and courage. St Francis—we call him the Alter Christus—reminds us that celebration must lead to conversion. This Centenary calls us to trust the Lord anew and embody the Gospel in concrete choices, integrity of life, solidarity with the poor, honesty against corruption and fidelity, letting every moment be illumined by prayer and charity.
May this beautiful evening move us beyond admiration into transformation.
May the music we have heard become a call to mission.
May the Lord give you peace."
St. Francis of Assisi died on October 3, 1226. Franciscans all over the world commemorate this day as his Transitus, or his journey from this life to the next.
Indeed, it is going to be a most meaningful Jubilee for the 8th Centenary of St. Francis of Assisi! We look forward this 2026 to the various events organized by the Franciscan Family to celebrate this 8th Centenary, including the exhibition of the mortal remains of St. Francis from the February 22 to March 22, 2026 in the Basilica of Assisi.
St. Francis, pray for us!
Photos and videos:
Margaux Salcedo
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