Tomorrow, October 4th, is the day we celebrate the life and ministry of St. Francis of Assisi. Francis is remembered on the day he died, and this evening Franciscans around the world will participate in a special prayer service called The Transitus. The word “transitus” comes from the Latin word for “passage” or “crossing.” The worship commemorates Francis’ embrace of “Sister Death” and his transition into eternal life.
The Transitus liturgies vary. Most of them include Scripture, hymns, and stories from Francis’ life. The evening sometimes also includes the serving and eating of almond cookies, a tradition based in the story of Francis’ close relationship with Blessed Jacoba of Settesoli. The two friends met when Francis was in Rome seeking permission from the Pope for his Order of Friars Minor. She baked almond cookies for him whenever he visited her home.
Francis was very sick at the time of his death. He was blind from trachoma and suffering from the wounds of his stigmata. At one point, as he faded in and out of consciousness, he expressed desire for his favorite sweet treats. He sent a message to Jacoba, requesting that she visit him with the cookies he loved. Before the message could be delivered, there was a knock on the door. It was Jacoba, cookies in hand, ready to stay at the side of her dear friend as he moved out of this world and into the next.
This story is a reminder of simple pleasures, and of the profound comfort that can be found in small gifts offered from the heart. It’s about presence, too, and friendship, and just showing up in times of pain and suffering to offer what we can, when we can.
Happy St. Francis Day,
p.s. If you would like to commemorate the Transitus by baking some almond cookies, here is a recipe. (https://www.stanthony.org/almond-cookies-for-st-francis-of-assisi/)
p.p.s. If you would like to celebrate St. Francis’ connection to all of God’s creatures, please join us on Sunday at 1:00 pm for the Blessing of the Animals. Live pets, pictures of pets, pets represented by stuffed animals—all are welcome!
