Capuchin Franciscan Family in Lahore Marks St. Francis's 800th Transitus with call for Peace

Capuchin Franciscan friars and sisters marked the 800th Transitus Anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi with a devotional gathering at St. Joseph's Church in Lahore on August 28, 2026.

Organized by Fr. William Basharat, OFM Cap, Parish Priest, under the auspices of the Archdiocese of Lahore, the assembly centered on the theme “St. Francis of Assisi: Man of Peace – Brother to All.”

Appearing in a traditional Capuchin Franciscan habit instead of his formal episcopal vestments, Khalid Rehmat, OFM Cap., of Lahore presided over the gathering alongside about 70 Capuchin friars and nuns.

As a symbolic opening to the memorial reflection, Archbishop Rehmat lit a ceremonial candle to honor the saint's spiritual presence and legacy. In connection with the Franciscan Year and St. Francis’s profound devotion to creation, Archbishop Rehmat, alongside the participants, led a tree plantation drive in the parish yard, underscoring a commitment to ecological stewardship and environmental care.

Fr. Clarence Hayat, OFM Cap, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Aadha, Sialkot, emphasized that peace is a gift from God needed to heal today’s broken world.

He stressed promoting the Franciscan charism to foster harmony, reconciliation, and peace across homes, brotherhoods, and society. "Peace demands action, not just words," Fr. Hayat asserted, highlighting that St. Francis leads believers to an encounter with the Crucified Christ and calls for renewing the Church through love.

He urged the faithful to hold the Gospel in their hearts so that every decision reflects its teachings, noting, "Our responsibility is not merely to praise Francis, but to allow the seeds he sowed to flourish as seeds for eternal life."

Addressing the theme of Transitus, Fr. Hayat explained that St. Francis called death "sister" because he died not to perish, but to live, marking his birth into heaven. He emphasized that Francis sought the Creator in every element of the universe and viewed death as a pathway to reunite with Him.

Fr. Azam Siddique, OFM Cap, coming from Rawalpindi-Islamabad diocese, led the assembly in the cherished Peace Prayer of St. Francis, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,” setting a contemplative tone for the day.

Fr. Ijaz Bashir, OFM Cap, Custos of the Capuchin Custody in Pakistan, addressed the assembly on the identity and spiritual calling of the Franciscan order. "We are all Francis; he is not dead, he is alive in us," Fr. Bashir declared. Reminding the gathering that St. Francis serves as a mirror of Christ, he added, "We are truly blessed to be his followers."

Archbishop Rehmat highlighted the profound devotion the faithful hold for the saint, noting that after Mother Mary, St. Francis is the most loved and famous saint in the Church community.

He urged the gathering to embody the saint's witness of fraternity and joyful service within their daily lives and communities.

Fr. Qaiser Feroze, OFM Cap, director of Wave Studio, led the assembly in a special Jubilee prayer, asking for continued blessings, peace, and unity for the Church and wider society.

The church leadership announced that similar sessions would be conducted for children and youth to promote the spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi. The gathering serves as an important milestone for the Franciscan Family in Pakistan, initiating a series of pastoral and commemorative events planned throughout the Jubilee Year to promote peace and social harmony.