A Historic Event on the Feast of St. Francis

Our General Minister, Br. Michael A. Perry, presided at the Eucharist in the Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi on October 4, 2016. In his homily, Br. Michael, through the recitation of the Canticle of the Creatures, reflected on the message that "we are not here to celebrate death rather we are gathered to celebrate life!” On the same day, the OFM Conventual General Minister, Br. Marco Tasca, presided at the Eucharistic Celebration in the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Porziuncola. Br. Marco, began his homily noting that about eight centuries ago, a small person from Assisi profoundly influenced both civil and religious history. He continued recounting that sources describe a Francis who with his strengths and weaknesses was very much like all of us. He continued relating that something extraordinary happened to that young man: he realized that “the hand of the Lord rested upon him” and as such the first thing to do in life is to welcome life, and in it welcome the gifts that the Lord with goodness and graciousness freely bestows. He concluded by saying that we don't have to do anything for God, rather we are invited to accept this God who loves us and wants to nurture his story with us. Thus Francis learned to embrace everything and everyone. This is also possible for all of us. Br. Michael’s complete homily (in Italian).