Franciscan Service in Commemoration of the 800th Anniversary of the Death of St Francis

On 3 October, the Franciscans, together with their Provincial Minister Br. Markus Fuhrmann OFM, will celebrate the Transitus at 6:00 pm in the historic ruins of the former “Grey Monastery” (Graues Kloster) in Berlin-Mitte, marking the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi.

The Transitus is a Franciscan service commemorating the final hours of St Francis’ life and his death. The word “Transitus” means “passing over” or “transition.” St Francis referred to death as “Brother Death,” as he did not see death as an ending, but as a passage into eternal life.

During the service, texts by the first biographers of St Francis will be read, alongside the reenactment of actions that were important to Francis before his death. The celebration will also include spiritual songs and prayers.