“We have been called to heal wounds, to unite what has fallen apart, and to bring home those who have lost their way.”
Remembering
Saint Francis
This October, we join our fellow Franciscans worldwide in marking the 800th Anniversary of the death of Francis of Assisi, on October 4, 1226. Although he died 800 years ago, the ideals he prioritized during his lifetime are as relevant now as ever.
Born into a life of luxury, Francis of Assisi did the unthinkable — cast off extravagance to live the simplest of lives, opening his heart and hands to the poor, and relishing God’s gifts of nature. He was a rebel of sorts, infuriating his wealthy father, renouncing his inheritance, promoting peace, and withdrawing from external influences. His only bride was Lady Poverty, as he worked relentlessly at Christ’s request to physically and spiritually rebuild the Church.
It was two years prior to his death that Francis, while deep in prayer on Italy’s remote Mt. LaVerna, had a vision and subsequently bore the marks of the crucified Christ on his hands, feet and side. The dramatic and transitional life of Francis is a powerful and life-giving example for our Franciscan heritage and tradition.
While our Sisters long ago made their vows to honor God and Francis by living simply and caring for the poor, our work continues. As we prayerfully remember Francis over these coming days, it is our wish that you, too, may find peace in simplicity, in family, in friends, and in your spirituality. May God bless you.
The Blessing of St. Francis
May the Lord bless and keep you.
May He make His Face shine upon you and be merciful to you.
May He turn His Countenance toward you and give you His Peace!
Transitus in Pittsburgh
6:30 p.m. Saturday, October 3
Our Lady of the Angels Chapel
at Mt. Assisi Place
934 Forest Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15202
Transitus in Bethlehem
7 p.m. Saturday, October 3
White House Chapel
at Monocacy Manor
395 Bridle Path Road
Bethlehem, Pa. 18017
Feastday Mass
in Pittsburgh
9 a.m. Sunday, October 4
Our Lady of the Angels Chapel
at Mt. Assisi Place
934 Forest Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15202
Feastday Mass
in Bethlehem
9:30 a.m. Sunday, October 4
White House Chapel
at Monocacy Manor
395 Bridle Path Road
Bethlehem, Pa. 18017
Simply Prayer: RememberANCES
OF Francis
10 a.m. Tuesday, October 6
St. Francis Center
at Monocacy Manor
395 Bridle Path Road,
Bethlehem, Pa. 18017
Three Evenings, Three Saints
Join us in Bethlehem, Pa., for our Three Evenings with Three Franciscan Saints series, featuring a trio of Franciscan Saints who followed the way of Jesus as in the tradition of Saint Francis of Assisi. Through their stories, their words, and their actions, these saints inspire us to embrace life with joy and use our gifts to promote the Kingdom of God now — in 2026. What might we glean from their wisdom, their holiness, and their commitment to Christ and his teachings?
CLARE OF ASSISI
Thursday, October 8
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
SAINT BONAVENTURE
Thursday, October 15
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
JOHN DUNS SCOTUS
Thursday, October 22
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Sister Barbara Brown will lead all three sessions, which will be held in the first-floor conference room (Blue Room) of St. Francis Center at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa. Registration is $15 per session or $35 for the entire series. To register online now, please click the button below. If you prefer to register by phone or pay by check, please contact Lauren Martin at lmartin@schoolsistersosf.org or 610-867-8890.