Celebrating the Transitus at the Mount St. Francis Center for Spirituality on Mount St. Francis, Indiana

The recreation of the Transitus

On October 3, a celebration took place at the Mount St. Francis Center for Spirituality on Mount St. Francis, Indiana. October 3 is of course the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi – an important event for everyone devoted to the great saint. The Transitus marks Francis’ passing from his earthly life to a life in heaven with Lord Jesus. Francis’ actual passing occurred on October 3, 1226.

Friar Paul Schloemer in the center

On the Mount in Indiana 783 years later to the day, a large group gathered to recreate Francis’ passing and to paint a verbal picture of who the man really was. Friar Don Halpin played the role of Francis; the characters in the recreation also included Brother Hugolino and Lady Jacoba amongst others; each and every one of the characters was very close to Francis when the saint was alive. In the recreation on the Mount they spoke about Francis in great detail, which helped the audience to see Francis as a real man instead of a little figurine preaching to birds in countless back gardens.

Mass

When the recreation ended, everyone gathered by the lake on Mount St. Francis and celebrated Mass. The evening concluded with a large bonfire and a cookout. Warmed and satiated physically and spiritually, the attendees went home very happy and with pleasant memories that they would return to in their minds for a long time to come.

Delicious hot dogs

Keeping warm at the bonfire