On Friday night, the Shrine will host the annual Transitus Service. The Franciscan tradition commemorates the death of Francis on October 3 and his entrance into eternal life. The service will begin in the Church and will include a procession to the Porziuncola Nuova, a scaled replica and approved “locus sanctus” of Saint Francis’s Porziuncola in Assisi, Italy, where St. Francis died.
Then, Saturday and Sunday will include Mass, blessings of the animals, talks on Dante’s Divine Comedy, and a performance by The Conservatory of Music.
Saturday night, the Shrine will host a special event celebrating St. Francis’ Canticle of the Creatures from 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. In celebration of 800 years since St. Francis’ extraordinary poem praising all Creation, musical composer, producer, and concept originator André Ripa, along with his wife Gianna, are bringing The Canticle Experience to San Francisco for its U.S. premiere. The Canticle features the singing voice and onscreen performance of internationally renowned tenor and Franciscan priest, Friar Alessandro Brustenghi. Combined with beautiful imagery and the spoken text of St. Francis’ Canticle of the Creatures, the experience aims to offer a sacred meditative space imbued with beauty, love, and a sense of peace that was a hallmark of St. Francis’ life mission.
View the full schedule of events:
