Dear reader,
we are so pleased that you have signed up for our Newsletter which aims to give information and resources to lead us into Francis 800 in 2026.
It would be great if you could show this newsletter to others and encourage them to sign up to get their own copy. It is not restricted to the Franciscan family.
Brother Sam
Sister Bev
Brother Micael
Sian TSSF
Pat TSSF
Sister Maureen
Sister Judi
Brother Finnian
Share your Plans
If you want to share the plans for FRANCIS 800
that you or your area have in 2026 please email us here:
Making Room For Christ
Discover Advent as a season of peace, depth, and joy
Thanks to people contributing resources and ideas across all the Franciscan Provinces we have been able to get the Advent book to the printers in August.
They will be on its way to TSSF Area groups and Franciscan houses by the end of September.
Built around the tender image of Mary’s pregnancy, this beautiful new Franciscan resource invites us to a journey of creating space: preparing, waiting, and welcoming Christ into our hearts and into the world.
Available End September From Hilfield Friary Shop
Making Room For Christ, A Franciscan Advent
Review by Susan Pitchford
I have been waiting for this booklet for years. Advent is such a challenging season, not only because of the well-known conflict between the peace we desire and the busyness of the world around us. But it’s also tough to know what, exactly, todo with it. We attend services, we light our candles, we try to keep the main themes in mind. I confess this has always been tough for me, with the result that I end up feeling like I’m missing the real fullness of the season.
But this year will be different, because of this beautiful Advent resource. Built around the idea of “creating space,” with Mary’s pregnancy as the central image, our Advent journey takes us from the time of preparation, through the months of carrying God in her womb, right up to the point of delivering Christ into the world. As we track the developmental markers of a pregnancy, we ponder our own journey through a season of making room for Christ in our hearts and lives.
There are prayers, meditations, reflections, Franciscan quotations, questions to ponder, and creative activities to try. One thing I’m particularly impressed by is the inclusion each day of voices from around our global community that share how Christmas is celebrated where they are. And it’s so beautiful that I will look forward to being drawn into it every day. Structure without busyness, ideas without a to-do list: this is exactly what I have needed in Advent, and now it is here.
I am certain that Franciscans and others around the world will find this resource brings to their Advent a new richness and depth.
On New Roads:
for peace, reconciliation and hope in a Wounded World
Will you join us in walking and praying for peace in 2026?
In October 2026 the Franciscan family around the globe marks 800 years since the death of St Francis. And how are we celebrating? By hitting the road!
Next summer, pilgrims will walk for 70 days across the European Province, moving from Franciscan house to house. As we walk, we’ll pray for peace, reconciliation, and hope – sharing stories, worshipping, and stopping for local mission events along the way.
And here’s the thing: this journey is for everyone. You don’t have to be a Franciscan. You don’t even have to walk the whole way. Join us for a day, a weekend, or more. Offer hospitality. Drive a support car. Or simply ask a friend to walk and pray for peace in yourplace.
Every step matters.
Every song matters.
Every act of peace matters.
And on 4 October 2026 we’ll celebrate together
- wherever we are – with music, Eucharist, storytelling, and joy.
Will you travel with us?
Find out more soon at www.spiritoffrancis.com
The Transitus of St. Francis
Francis passing from this life into eternal life.
ThisOctober, at Francis-tide 2025, we pause at the Transitus , Francis’ passing into God, with prayer to reflect and re-centre.
The Transitus is not just about remembering the historical event of Francis’s death; it is also a spiritual reflection on death as a passage to eternal life. It reminds Franciscans of the values Francis embraced: poverty, love of creation, and deep trust in God’s providence.
Here is a simple act of worship which you might want to use at home .
Transitus Service at Home
Saint Francis died just after sunset on October 3. He recited Psalm 142 and, during the closing verse, he died. This event is solemnly recalled each year by Franciscans to honour their holy Father’s entrance into joy.
You are invited to commemorate this event by using this short service in your own home.
Preparation
Place a cross, a picture of St Francis on a suitable table .
Light some candles near a cross and a picture of St. Francis and have a time of silent reflection.
Reading
The Testament of Saint Francis: excerpt from Francis’ Testament which Francis gave to his brothers in 1226 shortly before he died.
And I worked with my hands, and I still desire to work; and I earnestly desire all brothers to give themselves to honest work. Let those who do not know how to work learn, not for desire to receive wages, but for example and to avoid idleness. And when we are not paid for our work, let us have recourse to the table of the Lord, begging alms from door to door. The Lord revealed a greeting to me that we should say: “May the Lord give you peace.”
The Testament, verses 20 – 23; Francis ofAssisi
Time of silent reflection.
Holding or looking at the picture of St. Francis.
Hymn
(sung or read )
All creatures of our God and King,
Lift up your voice and with us sing Alleluia, alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silvermoon with softer gleam:
O praise him, O praise him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Thou rushing winds that are so strong,
Ye clouds that sail in heav’n along,
O praise him,Alleluia!
Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice:
O praise him,O praise him,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Symbolic Action
Place the cross on the ground.
Recall that Francis asked to be placed on the bare earth to die.
Antiphon:
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Francis, poorand humble,
enters heaven rich and
is welcomed with celestial hymns.
Alleluia.
Psalm 142:
With all my voice I cry to the Lord,
with all my voice I entreat the Lord.
I pour out my trouble before him;
I tell him all my distress
while my spirit faints within me.
But you, O Lord, know my path.
On the way where I shall walk
they have hidden a snare to entrap me.
Look on my right and see:
there is no one who takes my part.
I have no means of escape,
not one who cares for my soul.
I cry to you, O Lord.
I have said: “You are my refuge all I have in the land of the living.”
Listen, then, to my cry
for I am in the depths of distress.
Rescue me from those who pursue me for they are stronger than I.
Bring my soul out of this prison
and then I shall praise your name.
Around me the just will assemble because of your goodness to me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Antiphon.
Alleluia,Alleluia,
Francis, poor and humble,
enters heaven rich and
is welcomed with celestial hymns.
Alleluia.
Extinguish the candles to signify the death of Saint Francis.
The Lord’sPrayer
Prayer
Having in mind St. Francis’ devotion tot he wounds of our Lord,
and looking at the figure of the Crucified, with arms outstretched, say
