3 October: The Transitus — A Service for Family or Parish
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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.
- Lighting the Lamp
Light a candle and begin with the greeting, 'May the Lord give you peace.' - Song
Read or sing the Canticle of the Creatures (page 24) together. - The Word of God
John 13:1-17 — the passage read during Francis's final hours. - The Story of the Passing
One person slowly reads the account of his last hours on page 7. - Silent Meditation
Three minutes of silence, followed by Psalm 142. - Intercessions
Pray for peace, for the poor, for creation and for our beloved dead. - Blessing
Close with the blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 and the Prayer for Peace.
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Christmas Special
From Greccio to our village cribs
The Letters of St Clare
A light for women's spirituality
Youth Section
Franciscan simplicity in a digital world