Prayer & Gospel Reflections

3 October: The Transitus — A Service for Family or Parish

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Once Again on the Path of Francis · Issue 1 · Page 31

Page 31 of the magazine: 3 October: The Transitus — A Service for Family or Parish
Page 31

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This simple service recalling the evening Francis died can be held at home or in church in about thirty minutes. Dim the lights and begin with a candle and a crucifix.

  1. Lighting the Lamp
    Light a candle and begin with the greeting, 'May the Lord give you peace.'
  2. Song
    Read or sing the Canticle of the Creatures (page 24) together.
  3. The Word of God
    John 13:1-17 — the passage read during Francis's final hours.
  4. The Story of the Passing
    One person slowly reads the account of his last hours on page 7.
  5. Silent Meditation
    Three minutes of silence, followed by Psalm 142.
  6. Intercessions
    Pray for peace, for the poor, for creation and for our beloved dead.
  7. Blessing
    Close with the blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 and the Prayer for Peace.
In the evening light — he welcomed Sister Death
In the evening light — he welcomed Sister Death

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