In a one-day observance, some 1,350 faithful passed through the Chapel of San Damiano Franciscan Centre at the Bukit Batok parish on Feb 22 to venerate the relics of three Franciscans.
To mark 800 years since the death of St Francis of Assisi, Pope Leo XIV declared a Franciscan Jubilee Year which began on Jan 10 and will conclude on the same date next year.
The jubilee recalls St Francis’ Transitus on Oct 3, 1226 – a term used to describe his “passing over” from earthly to eternal life.
Catholics in Singapore joined the commemoration with the public veneration of relics at the Church of St Mary of the Angels on Feb 22, when the Friars of the Custody of St Anthony (Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei) opened their chapel to the public.
The centre is generally open to the public for retreats and days of recollection. For the Jubilee observance, it was made accessible to the wider faithful.
Displayed were first-class bone relics of three Franciscans: St Francis of Assisi, St Anthony of Padua, and Blessed Gabriel Allegra.
Friar Derrick Yap OFM, Custos of the Custody of St Anthony, said the three relics were selected in line with the identity of the Custody.
“It is the Jubilee of St Francis and he is our founder. St Anthony is our patron. Blessed Allegra is our co-patron,” he said.
Bl. Allegra (1907 – 1976), a Franciscan Scripture scholar, translated the Catholic Bible into Chinese from the original Hebrew and Greek texts.
According to Fra Yap, Bl. Allegra was instrumental in the development of the sociological centre in Singapore and played a foundational role in establishing the Franciscan presence here.
“Without him, there would not be the current group of friars,” he said.
Oriented to God
Fra Yap said the Jubilee is not merely about recalling events from eight centuries ago. “The relics remind us that they were ordinary human beings just like us,” he said. “They had struggles, desires, and ambitions, but everything in their lives was reoriented towards loving God.”
He added that the reorientation gives meaning to the Franciscan understanding of the Transitus, not as an ending of life, but as a transit from earthly to heavenly life.
“It is from life to life,” said Friar Yap. “It’s not just about doing; it’s about being – allowing Christ within you to be present for others.”
Plenary indulgence
As part of the Jubilee provisions, the Apostolic Penitentiary has granted a plenary indulgence to the faithful who make a pilgrimage to a Franciscan church or place of worship dedicated to St Francis. They must also receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist, and pray for the intentions of the Holy Father.
A series of events
The 2026 Franciscan Jubilee, which focuses on the saint’s Transitus, is the culmination of a series of octocentenary events marking key moments in the final years of St Francis’ life.
These included the 800th anniversary of the Nativity at Greccio and the approval of the Franciscan Rule – the guiding way of life of the Order – in 2023; the anniversary of the Stigmata – the wounds of Christ which appeared on St Francis – in 2024; and the anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures – his hymn of praise on the beauty of creation – in 2025.
The Feb 22 public veneration marks the start of the local Jubilee programme at St Mary’s which spans 2026 through to January 2027.
Upcoming events include Franciscan pilgrimages, a Mother’s Day reflection inspired by St Francis’ early life, an art showcase, a “Care for Creation” initiative, and the traditional blessing of animals on Oct 4.
The Jubilee will reach its local summit on Oct 3 with the Transitus celebration at 8pm at the Church of St Mary of the Angels. The event will involve the entire Franciscan family in Singapore, and will be hosted by the Secular Franciscans.
For Fra Yap, the Franciscan Jubilee is a personal invitation drawn from the saint’s final words: “The Lord has shown me what is mine to do. May He show you yours.”
For more information, visit www.stmary.sg/franciscanjubilee
Source: Catholic News
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