It was October 1226 and St. Francis was dying. His last gift to creation was to dethrone the fear of death as lord of life. It was at this time that he added a couple more verses to the Canticle of Creation, including - be praised my Lord, for sister bodily death! He was not seeking to be rid of this life - but he discovered how close he was coming to experiencing life as it had never been experienced before.

Traditionally, there was a respectful air of silence in the presence of the dying - even Scripture - no one can see the face of God and live! What Francis had discovered was - if death allows me to see the face of God, then welcome sister death!

But what actually happened? Francis was tremendously weak, and suffering from a stomach illness that caused him to vomit blood. As he lay waiting for death he asked the friars to sing - and he joined in with them - Elias, the General Minister of the Order tried to point out to him that the people who had gathered around would be scandalised realising that someone they venerated as a saint seemed unconcerned about preparing for death.

Don’t be troubled, he replied, I feel so close to God that I have to sing.

He wanted to die where everything had started - Portiuncola. He was carried down from the town, and as they passed the leprosarium of San Lazaro he asked to set down, facing Assisi in sight of San Damiano. He was silent for some time, with eyes that could no longer see, then raising his hand he blessed Assisi with these words - May the Lord bless you, my beloved Assisi. In the past you were the stronghold of highwaymen; now God has chosen you as the home for those who know him... I beg you, Lord Jesus, not to forget the abundance of graces with which you have blessed her, and that she may always be a home for all who bless your holy name. Amen. [LP.99. MP.124. 1Cel.108].

He was carried to the Portiuncola - where he prayed - To my brothers, those here as well as those absent, I pardon them all of their offences, and as much as I am able, I absolve them; when you tell them these things, bless them in my name. My brothers, I have done what the Lord showed me was mine to do; may you do what the Lord shows you is yours to do!

Blessing his brothers, and reminding them that the Gospel is more important than all the rules, he said goodbye - my children, always remain with the Lord! [2Cel.216]. Then he took bread and blessed it and broke it among the brethren.

He then prayed - with all my voice I called to the Lord - Ps.142. and died singing.

Let legend take over - [2Cel.217] - as he died, hundreds of larks flew around overhead, and the brothers saw his soul like a star, as big as the moon, bright as the sun rising upon a white cloud...

The Transitus - can be painful - as is every birth... but it makes possible a new way of living... when every tear will be wiped away, no more dying, no more pain or suffering, because all that was will be no more [Rev.21.4].

As the Lord has shown me what it was mine to do, may the Lord show you... and if necessary, you may even use words.

Brother Austin ofm