“Welcome, Sister Death!” These words will ring in our ears repeatedly this year as we mark 800 years since the death of St Francis on 3 October 1226. On the night of his passing (Transitus), Francis had the brothers sing the canticle he composed the year before – the Canticle of Creatures – and then he added a final verse on Sister Death.
This verse on Sister Death may be little known as we seldom get to the final verse when we sing this song in church. Perhaps this year could be an occasion to carve out some time and space to reflect on the topic of death and think about what a good death would look like. When we have contemplated on death, then we may better know how to live. Hence, the many images, of saints with skulls in their hands or by their feet. Holiness is the outcome of knowing where we are going after this life is over.
This year, for the first time in history, the mortal remains of St Francis in the Basilica of St Francis in Assisi will be displayed for public veneration. The month-long event, which begins on 22 February, is to recall this life that has touched many hearts with a depth of authenticity that is timeless. As of mid-December, there were more than 250,000 bookings. You can find out more from the website, www.saintfrancisliveson.org
This result testifies to the universality of the message of the Saint of Assisi and the timeless appeal of his figure. Francis’ life is like a seed which bears much fruit. The Franciscan Family has taken this seed image for the Year of Transitus, and I quote here from the website:
“Like a grain of wheat fallen to the ground, the body of Francis of Assisi has become a fertile seed and bearing fruit through time. His existence, given entirely to love, reconciliation, and fraternity, continues to speak to the heart of humanity even eight hundred years after his death. Today, his legacy manifests as a living presence of God’s Kingdom in our midst: every gesture of openness: every choice for peace, every embrace of brotherhood bears the mark of that seed which did not remain alone, but gave birth to a new story.
“The relics of Francis, kept in the basilica dedicated to him in Assisi, are a tangible sign of this mystery. Pilgrims from every part of the world gather before his tomb, finding inspiration, courage, and hope in the example of a life radically given. In that place, earth and heaven seem to touch; Francis’ message becomes a concrete invitation to welcome the Gospel into daily life, to build bridges of dialogue, to care for creation, to live relationships marked by peace and love. To discover Francis today means allowing ourselves to be drawn into a story that continues to flourish, silent and fruitful. His legacy accompanies and encourages us to make visible, through our choices and actions, the Kingdom of God that grows quietly but powerfully in our midst. Thus, like a seed that sprouts in the earth, Francis’ presence is light and promise for anyone who desires to walk in fraternity and hope.”
For those who are unable to make the pilgrimage to Assisi, do not fret! In Singapore, we will have public veneration of the relics of St Francis, and those of St Anthony and Blessed Allegra on 22 February 2026. This one-day public veneration will be held in the chapel of San Damiano Franciscan Centre, which is behind the main Church of St Mary of the Angels.
Speaking of welcoming Sister Death, I take this opportunity to mention our Franciscan Columbarium, located within the grounds of the Franciscan Complex in Bukit Batok. It was conceived as a sacred space to hold and honour the mortal remains of our beloved family and friends. Adjacent to the columbarium are two wake chapels – La Verna and Transitus – which offer a consoling space for those who are grieving. Our accompaniment and service of those who are mourning the loss of a loved one is modelled after St Francis’ desire to be close to the broken-hearted and the needs of the people. The real need of course is to offer the hope that only our Risen Lord Jesus Christ can offer. Jesus, who died and rose again, guarantees the life that never ends. That is why for St Francis Sister Death was a portal, a doorway, to enter into the life of God, a life with God our Beloved, the life of immense joy and deep peace that we all long for.
May this centenary of Francis’ Transitus truly be a time of grace for all of us to contemplate Sister Death in the spirit of hope and peace.
Friar Derrick Yap OFM
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