In 2026, we mark the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi. Eight centuries after his earthly journey ended, the seed of the Gospel planted in his heart continues to germinate. His legacy is not simply something to remember; it is an invitation to live differently today.
Francis’ conversion began when the Lord led him among the lepers and taught him mercy. As Francis wrote in his Testament:
“The Lord granted me, Brother Francis, to begin to do penance in this way: while I was in sin, it seemed very bitter to me to see lepers. And the Lord Himself led me among them and I had mercy upon them. And when I left them that which seemed bitter to me was changed into sweetness of soul and body; and afterward I lingered a little and left the world.” (Testament 1-3)
His encounter with those who were poor and excluded transformed his understanding of life. Soon afterward, before the crucified Christ at San Damiano, he discovered the depth of God’s self-giving love. The poor and Christ crucified became foundational reference points for his life.
How can we allow that spirit to take root in us?
1. Choose mercy
Move toward, rather than away from, those who are vulnerable, forgotten, or difficult to understand. Francis discovered that poverty, humility, simplicity, and “minority” become meaningful when they lead us to mercy. Poverty without mercy becomes an idol; mercy without poverty is reduced to ideology.
2. Keep Christ crucified at the centre
Make space each day for prayer, gratitude, and contemplation of Christ’s self-giving love. Let the cross reshape the way you see yourself, others, and God.
3. Live faithfully within the Church
Francis saw the Church, despite its weaknesses, as fertile soil where the Gospel could grow. His devotion to the Eucharist taught him to recognize God’s humility and love in the sacramental life of the Church.
4. Build fraternity without power
Serve rather than dominate. Listen, welcome, forgive, and care for those around you. Francis envisioned a brotherhood rooted in mutual service, humility, and familiarity.
5. Become a person of peace
Let “peace” be more than a greeting. Refuse needless quarrels and judgments; practice gentleness, humility, courteous speech, dialogue, and reconciliation.
The 800th anniversary is a moment to ask whether the seed planted in Francis is bearing fruit in us: mercy toward the poor, love for Christ, fidelity to the Church, Eucharistic faith, humble fraternity, and the witness of peace.
We are pilgrims of hope. Wherever we are, whatever our vocation, we can make Francis’ Gospel spirit visible – one act of mercy, one gesture of fraternity, and one step toward peace at a time.
Peace and all good!
Adapted from Francis of Assisi: A Seed for Eternal Life, a letter from the Franciscan Family in conjunction with the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis.
0 Comments