VIII Centenary of the Transitus of Saint Francis in Myanmar

Saint Francis of Assisi Foundation in Myanmar commemorated the VIII Centenary Anniversary of the Transitus of the Holy Seraphic Father, St. Francis of Assisi, with a tree-planting ceremony at their humble and simple Greccio Farm on the afternoon of July 8, 2026.

The liturgical rite was led by Br. Cosmas Francis, OFM, JPIC coordinator of the Custody of St. Anthony (Malaysia–Singapore–Brunei), together with Br. Dennis Tayo, OFM, General Animator for the Missions; Br. Francis Saw Kay Zar Min, OFM, President of the Foundation; Br. Augustine, OFM, JPIC Animator of the Foundation; and the simply professed friars and aspirants.

Br. Cosmas invited the brothers to reflect on the true meaning of Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation (JPIC). He highlighted that Franciscan life and JPIC are inseparable; JPIC is not merely a program or ministry for us but a way of living the Gospel. He fraternally reminded the confreres that caring for our common home is not solely the responsibility of the JPIC Animator but a shared vocation entrusted to every Franciscan. Although God did not explicitly ask St. Francis to plant trees, He gave him a spirituality that embraced all of creation as brothers and sisters; and a gift to be loved, respected, and protected. His sharing was concluded by encouraging everyone to open their hearts so that care for creation may naturally flow from a life rooted in the Gospel.

Moreover, the friars and aspirants proceeded to plant trees around the Greccio Farm as a visible sign of their renewed commitment to care for our common home. The ceremony served as a meaningful expression of gratitude for the enduring legacy of our Seraphic Father, inspiring the brothers to plant not only trees but also seeds of hope for future generations. 

Rooted in the Franciscan spirit of justice, peace, and care for creation, the celebration concluded with the final blessing imparted by Br. Cosmas.