The Transitus. This is a detail of the image (mural) on the rear side of the Portiuncula Chapel. The above image has been slightly texturized (canvas) as the original photo wasn't very sharp. /fss 2010
Other Articles The Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi Come and See: Discerning your Vocation to become a Secular Franciscan Fred's Story Holiness in Holland	OTHER LINKS: www.ciofs.org The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order

The Transitus of St. Francis celebrated on the evening of Oct. 3rd retraces the last moments of his life before passing onto God. For Franciscans, "the Transitus has become a significant and even necessary annual event. To ritually revisit the story of Francis' passing is vital; without it something significant is missing. It specifies the living memory of Francis; it intensifies our commitment to follow Christ in the way of the poor man of Assisi." (Fr. D. Grigassey OFM). Here in Jerusalem, Vespers was sung followed by the Transitus liturgy that included a reading from a narrative of St. Francis's death, the recitation of Ps. 142 as St. Francis had requested, the veneration of the relic of St. Francis and the singing of the Canticle of the Sun. Three friars renewed their temporary vows after the homily. The Custos of the Holyland presided and the liturgy was graced by the presence of His Beatitude, emeritus Patriarch Michel Sabbah.