After spiritual conversion, St. Francis spent rest of life seeking to live Gospel, rector says

Catholics gathered at the National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi in San Francisco on Oct. 3 to commemorate the Transitus, the anniversary of St. Francis’ passing. The service included Capuchin Franciscans, Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, Dominican friars, Salesian sisters, sisters of the Fraternité Notre Dame, and laypeople from as far as San Diego.

The Transitus service featured seven readings and hymns recounting the life of St. Francis and the elements that shaped his spirituality. During the service, a Franciscan habit was placed on a makeshift bier with an Easter candle behind it to symbolize the resurrection.

Father Bobby Barbato, the Capuchin Franciscan rector of the National Shrine, delivered a homily reflecting on the saint's spiritual conversion. Father Barbato said that while Francis had heard the Gospel for the first 24 years of his life, he did not seriously practice it until his encounter with a leper transformed him. Following that encounter, Francis spent the remainder of his life attempting to live according to the Gospel.