The celebration of the Transitus in the Philippines
Animated by the Inter-Franciscan Ministers Conference
07 October 2024The entire Franciscan family in central Luzon gathered in Mandaluyong City to celebrate the Transitus of our Seraphic Father St. Francis of Assisi. The St. Francis of Assisi Parish under the administration of our brother Capuchin serves as the venue for this years’ Transitus and through the animation of the Inter-Franciscans Ministers Conference (IFMC) on October 3, 2024.
The celebration kickstart with presentations from various religious communities and OFS fraternities. A short talk on the theme “Rejoice, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances: Emulating the Exemplary Life of St. Francis” by Fr. Christopher Dominic Lim, OFMConv, Chairperson of IFMC ensue. He emphasizes that prayer is a gift from God. Active participation in the Liturgy does not only mean that we respond during the celebration but rather our lives should be a prayer itself. He encourages all the Franciscans present to make prayer as part of their daily lives.
Students from Lourdes School of Mandaluyong lead the reenactment of the Transitus through a drama. It starts with the exposition of Francis’ journey to Portiuncula and climaxing on his embrace of Sister Death and the Crucified Christ.
The Transitus culminates in a Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Rev. Fr. Norman Meram Gandia, Parochial Vicar of St. John Baptist Parish, San Juan City. A Franciscan agape is set immediately after the mass. There are simultaneous Transitus celebrations among different geographical locations in the Philippines by different Franciscan communities.
Br. Makki Cruz, OFM
