St Francis’ Stigmata Centenary celebrated in India

Assisivanam, House of Basic Formation, Madapurachal, Kerala
The Assisivanam commenced the 8th Centenary Jubilee of the Stigmata with a memorable ceremony on 15 February 2024. Led by Br. Johnson MV, the Guardian, the liturgy was infused with deep reverence and devotion to honor this significant event in the life of St. Francis. Each member of the community participated wholeheartedly in the ceremony, which unfolded in three distinct segments, symbolizing pivotal moments in St. Francis’ life. The atmosphere was enriched with inspiring readings from biographies and hymns, adding spiritual depth and historical context to the occasion.

St. Louis Friary, Novitiate, Palamaner, Andhra Pradesh
On 9 March 2024, at 7 PM, the celebration marking the opening of the 8th centenary of the stigmata of St. Francis took place at St. Louis Friary. The entire community, comprising 48 members including Friars, Novices, and Junior Brothers, gathered for this momentous occasion. The service commenced with a solemn procession, as participants carried lighted candles from Fonte Colombo to the Greccio garden. Under the guidance of Br. Charles Bernard, Novice master, the Novices took charge of animating the liturgy. Led by the Novices, the prayer service commenced with a meaningful introduction, followed by three readings from Franciscan sources, reverently recited. Hymns were sung, enhancing our appreciation and celebration of the gift of the stigmata. The Litany of the Saints was sung, introducing us to the multitude of Franciscan saints for the first time. Br. Sleeva, the Guardian, delivered a message inspired by Pope St. John Paul II, encapsulating the essence of the celebration. 

Prakruthi Mithra, House of Socio-Pastoral-Ecological Care, Chundale, Kerala
The Stigmata Remembrance at Prakruthi Mithra, initiated on 18 March 2024, provided a profound experience of reflection and devotion. Against the backdrop of a tranquil natural setting, the commemoration unfolded with a blend of solemnity and reverence. Printed images depicting the Stigmata of St. Francis of Assisi were prominently displayed near a humble hut, echoing the rustic simplicity of the Greccio crib. This initiative, inspired by a successful Christmas celebration in 2023, aimed to evoke a deeper contemplation of St. Francis’ profound encounter with divine grace. The prayerful ambiance, punctuated by recitations of prayers and hymns, invited all participants to connect with the spiritual essence of St. Francis’ journey and find solace in the transformative power of faith.

Shalom Friary Parish, Hyderabad, Telangana
The Jubilee of the Stigmata of St. Francis commenced on 22 March 2024, marking the last Friday of the Lenten Season. Br. Chinna, the Guardian, led the Mass and presided over the liturgy, which was graced by the presence of FMM sisters and the neighbouring Catechist Sisters of St. Ann (CSA), alongside faithful gathered for the occasion. The Parish community meticulously organized the liturgy, with the enthusiastic assistance of youth and choir members. The theme of the Jubilee, “New Life from the Wounds”, resonated throughout the homily delivered by Br. Praveen D’ Souza, the Parish Priest. As part of the Jubilee observance, special reflections and recitations of the Jubilee prayer will be held every Friday. The liturgy commenced with poignant readings from the life of St. Francis, followed by the solemn procession of the St. Damiano Cross and the unveiling of the Jubilee Logo in the church. 

St. Sebastian Friary Parish, Madhavaram, Tamilnadu
On 8 April 2024, the Fraternity of St. Sebastian, OFS Fraternity and the Parishioners inaugurated the 8th Centenary Jubilee of the Gift of Stigmata to our Holy Father Francis of Assisi. Br. Saji Mathew, Vicar Provincial presided over the Liturgy as the OFS Members animated the Liturgy. As the parishioners gathered for the concluding Eucharist on the feast of St. Sebastian, numbering more than a thousand, a profound sense of prayer and admiration enveloped the liturgy, honouring this significant event in the life of St. Francis of Assisi.  Anticipation mounts for the upcoming celebration of the Stigmata feast on 17th September.