Celebration of the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi planned at the Franciscan Monastery in Kennebunk

KENNEBUNK---Each year on October 3, the anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi’s death, Franciscans around the world gather in prayer to celebrate his Transitus or passage from earthly life to everlasting life. That tradition will be carried on this October at the St. Anthony Franciscan Monastery, located at 28 Beach Avenue in Kennebunk.

On Tuesday, October 3, at 5 p.m., Father Algirdas Malakauskis OFM, will lead a presentation entitled "2023-2026: A Multifaceted Centenary Celebrating the Legacy of St. Francis.” That will be followed by a Transitus service and then evening prayer. The event will conclude with a coffee social.

On the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, October 4, all are invited to join the Franciscan community for morning prayer at 7 a.m., followed by a 7:30 a.m. Mass celebrated by Father Evaldas Darulis OFM, Provincial Minister of the Province of St. Casimir in Lithuania, Order of Friars Minor. The celebration continues at 11 a.m. with a Blessing of the Animals prayer service in recognition of St. Francis’ care for all God’s creatures. People are invited to bring their pets to have them blessed. The day’s events conclude with evening prayer at 5:15 p.m. and then holy Mass at 7 p.m.

“We cordially invite you to join us in celebrating the Solemnity of our Seraphic Father St. Francis, founder of the Franciscan family. Let us come together in gratitude and reverence for his enduring legacy,” said Father Algirdas Malakauskis OFM.

Saint Francis was born in Assisi, Italy, in 1181 or 1182. Although his early life was one of privilege, he would later give up all his belonging to serve God and the poor. Others would adopt his life of simplicity, leading to the founding of the Franciscan Order in the early 13th century.