Remembering Francis: 800 Years of Light

In 2026, Christians around the world will mark a profound milestone: the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, who passed into the arms of Sister Death on the evening of October 3, 1226. Though eight centuries have passed, the light of Francis’s life continues to shine—perhaps now more than ever—calling the Church and the world back to the heart of the Gospel. Celebrations of this anniversary are unfolding globally in churches, communities, and Franciscan orders, offering a moment to pause, give thanks, and renew our commitment to the way of peace, humility, and love that Francis so radiantly embodied. From Assisi to Africa, from monastic chapels to city streets, this is not merely a time of historical remembrance, but a spiritual awakening.

Francis lived in a time not so unlike our own: a world divided by war, marked by growing inequality, and struggling under the weight of institutional religion that had, in many places, lost sight of Christ’s radical message. Into that world, Francis stepped with nothing but trust in God and a heart burning with love. He chose poverty over privilege, service over status, and kinship over conquest. His embrace of the leper, his rebuilding of San Damiano, and his Canticle of the Creatures still speak with clarity and grace to a world hungry for healing and meaning. As we prepare to celebrate this 800-year legacy, we are reminded that Francis’s death was not an ending, but the beginning of a movement that continues to transform lives. His final years, marked by suffering and mystical union with Christ, left behind not only the marks of the stigmata, but a living witness that still burns brightly in the Franciscan family across denominations and continents.

For Companions of the Society of Saint Francis, this anniversary is a special invitation. It invites us to remember why we walk this path—not out of duty, but out of desire to live more deeply into the joy and freedom that Francis found in Christ. It calls us to renew our daily commitment to prayer, simplicity, and peacemaking. It reminds us that even in our ordinary lives, we are part of something timeless and holy. The 800th anniversary is being marked by pilgrimages, special liturgies, artistic offerings, and environmental initiatives—all in the spirit of Saint Francis. Some will gather in Assisi itself, while others will celebrate quietly in local parishes or small Franciscan groups. But wherever we are, we are united by a common thread: the desire to live the Gospel more fully. As we look to the next century of Franciscan witness, may we, like our beloved saint, be bold in love, gentle in word, and joyful in surrender. And may the peace of Christ—which so filled Francis’s heart—fill ours, as we continue this sacred journey together.

“Francis, go and rebuild my Church.” Eight hundred years later, we still hear the call.

Companions are encouraged to get involved in the year of celebration. To access our online resources visit: https://www.spiritoffrancis.com/ If you’d like to contribute a poem, song of picture please email: companions@franciscans.org.uk

Pax et bonum.