FRIARS MARK THE PASSING OF SAINT FRANCIS

October 4th is the feast of Saint Francis. Our Franciscan custom is to observe his "passing" (in Latin, transitus) from earthly life to heavenly life the night before or, if more convenient, some night before the 4th.

The Guam friars gathered to celebrate this Transitus in the Friary chapel. Besides hearing the story of Saint Francis' death and Scripture readings, the friars light one candle for every deceased friar in the community.

REMEMBERING FRANCIS AND THE FRIARS

Every year, around the feast of Saint Francis, the friars gather for a prayer service called the Transitus, to remember the passing (transitus) of Saint Francis from earthly to heavenly life.

It is also a time to remember our brothers in the fraternity who have also passed from this life to eternity.

We read out their names and each friar lights a candle in their memory, as we pray for their eternal rest.

GUAM FRIARS CELEBRATE TRANSITUS

A Franciscan tradition is to celebrate the passing of Saint Francis from earthly life to eternal life the night before the feast of Saint Francis which is on October 4.

In Latin, this "passing" is called the Transitus.

On Guam, our custom is to also call to mind all the friars in our community who have also crossed over to eternal life.  Individual candles are lit for each of them, called by name.  A different friar lights a candle for each deceased friar.

HAPPY FEAST OF SAINT FRANCIS

Father Jose Villagomez presided and preached at the festal Mass at the Friary.

Brother Ryan Charfauros read the readings.

The friars renewed their vows after Mass.

The postulants and candidates received a blessing at the hands of Father Patrick Castro.

In the evening, after dinner, at the Transitus, the lighting of a candle for each deceased friar of our fraternity.

TRANSITUS 2011

TRANSITUS

The commemoration of the passing of Saint Francis to Eternal Life

The Guam friars celebrated the Transitus on Thursday, September 29.  Every deceased friar of the Vice Province was remembered with a candle lit in their memory.  Father Andre and the postulants organized the service.

The friars, including Archbishop Apuron (left), sing the opening song.

Father Patrick Castro arranged the candle lighting space.