November Remembrance

November 2023

Five Franciscan 800 Centenaries

This year, 2023, the Franciscans begin a celebration of not just one, but five 800 centenaries. In 1223, Saint Francis received approval for his Rule from Pope Honorius III and it was in the same year that St Francis created, as he imagined, a Christmas scene now known as the Creche. He received the Stigmata in 1224 and in the following year 1225, he composed the magnificent poem, the Canticle of the Sun when he composed his very last verse:

“All praise be yours, my Lord, through Sister Death, from whose embrace no one can escape; happy those she finds doing your will! The second death can do no harm to them. Praise and bless my Lord and serve Him with great humility”.

It was the following year, 1226, St Francis died and entered the arms of Sister Death.

It is in this spirit that November 2023 to November 2026 will be a time of acknowledging the Greatness of God alive in the Franciscan tradition of these 5 Centenaries. You are welcome to include the names of your departed family and friends which we will place on our Altar of Remembrance in this holy season. And also know you are remembered as well. May the Lord give you peace!

Peace and good!
Fr. Conrad Targonski, O.F.M.
Viterbo University Chaplin

Submit your November Remembrance Prayer Requests Online

Two nice quotations:

"it is in dying that we are born to eternal life" peace prayer of Saint Francis
"welcome, Sister Death" ....last words of Saint Francis