WINSTON-SALEM — The last Franciscan sister in the Diocese of Charlotte led the local Secular Franciscan Order, the Fraternity of St. Clare, in a customary night of prayer for St. Francis of Assisi on the eve of his feast day. Sister Kathy Ganiel, OSF, serves at Our Lady of Mercy Parish.
The group met at 6 p.m. at the small mission chapel of Our Lady of Fatima to commemorate the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi.
The word “Transitus” stems from the Latin for “passing over.” For Franciscans, the word refers to the moment when St. Francis joyfully passed from his earthly life to heaven on Oct. 3, 1226.
As is custom, Sister Kathy recited the story of the saint's life, which was followed by reading John 12:1-17, which recounts Jesus washing the feet of His disciples the night of the Last Supper, something St. Francis also requested on his deathbed, and then Psalm 142.
The tradition commemorates the life of St. Francis, renews the vows of the Franciscan vocation, and celebrates the hope of eternity with the Lord.
Sister Kathy will renew her vows of simplicity, fraternity and service while the secular Franciscan order will review their promises at a special Mass on Oct. 4 at Our Lady of Mercy Church.
— Lisa M. Geraci
