A Reflection by Bernard Keele,OFM.  

On October 3rd and 4th, our communities of friars celebrated in their own way the passing or death of St. Francis, our founder. The limitations of public gatherings lent itself to more local, intimate gatherings of the friars in their respective houses for the commemoration.

The remembrance of our Holy Father manifests a profound connection and reverence toward human life, even in the visitation of Sister Death! We liturgically recall the story of St. Francis' passage to his heavenly home surrounded as he was by those whom he loved.

A glimpse of this historical celebration was written anonymously by one of our friars and published in the Padre's Trail way back in the year 1942. The following are excerpts from that article, which poetically recounts the experience of our friars living on the Navajo Reservation who had come together to celebrate life, death, and fraternity.

"In the beautiful St. Michael's Chapel Sunday evening some ten Fathers sang the 'transitus', the attractive liturgical ceremony commemorating the passing or death of St. Francis. With hearts aglow with fervour, bright as the flaming candles upon the altar, the Fathers sang and conducted the impressive ceremony so dear to every Franciscan heart.

Next morning, the missionaries from more distant parts having arrived, some twenty-five Fathers attended a solemn high Mass.... The Brothers, Sisters, and the Indian children from St. Michaels school were likewise present, filling the Church to overflowing.

Mass over, the Fathers repaired to the spacious recreation room in the monastery. There they entertained themselves in various ways, some playing ping pong, some pool, while others gathered about the piano singing songs as they did in their college days. Everyone, of course, got in his share of conversation, swapping stories, relating experiences, discussing the future of the missions and missionary work.

Shortly after noon, having enjoyed an excellent dinner... the Fathers had to depart for their various missions on the Indian reservation. Naturally they were loathe to leave. It is difficult to part with friends, especially your brothers in religious life, not knowing when you shall see them again."