October 3 is the vigil of St. Francis of Assisi's death and bears a special name — the Transitus.

The feast of Saint Francis (4 October.) . The day prior to that is when we respectfully remember of his heavenly birth his Transitus !

Saint Francis himself asked for this feast his brothers : He ordered his brothers that because of his imminent death and at the dawn of his new life with joyful spirit and  resounding voices to sing about the glory of the Lord …..

The  brothers standing next to the dying Francis sang the Canticle of the Sun , that was really composed by our beloved saint that magnificently summarises his spirituality renewing eras. 

Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord, All praise is Yours, all glory, all honour and all blessings.

To you alone, Most High, do they belong, and no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your Name.

Praised be You my Lord with all Your creatures,

especially Sir Brother Sun,

Who is the day through whom You give us light.

And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendour,

Of You Most High, he bears the likeness.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars,

In the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air,

And fair and stormy, all weather's moods,

by which You cherish all that You have made.

Praised be You my Lord through Sister Water,

So useful, humble, precious and pure.

Praised be You my Lord through Brother Fire,

through whom You light the night and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.

Praised be You my Lord through our Sister,

Mother Earth

who sustains and governs us,

producing varied fruits with coloured flowers and herbs.

Praise be You my Lord through those who grant pardon for love of You and bear sickness and trial.

Blessed are those who endure in peace, By You Most High, they will be crowned.

Praised be You, my Lord through Sister Death,

from whom no-one living can escape. Woe to those who die in mortal sin! Blessed are they She finds doing Your Will.

No second death can do them harm. Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks,

And serve Him with great humility.

I lovingly wish on the occasion of this beautiful feast all our  children, colleagues supporters of the large family of  Saint Francis Foundation a spiritual renewal in the spirit of Saint Francis ! Lets pray that for us as well a spiritual Transitus may also dawn ! 

Come lets embark on the way of our Lord Jesus Christ , that narrow, but shining like gold glorious road that took Saint Francis who served the world as a lesser brother living in peace with everything and everyone freed from a life of provocation, pettiness, selfish ,sinfulness  that lead to glory of the Kingdom of God!

With love ,

Father Csaba.

translated by dr k.e.