The Wheaton Franciscans enjoyed many opportunities during October 2026 to look through the lens of St. Francis’s life as they celebrated God’s gifts of creation as well as the 800th anniversary of the saint’s passing into new life. The season centered around stories involving St. Francis, St. Clare, and the many characters who came into their lives who can still offer us lessons of peace, humility, and love today.
Throughout the Season of Creation, Sunday liturgies and services highlighted key moments in the saint’s life and how we embrace Franciscan values today. To stir imaginations, a Season of Creation Reflection Journal was offered to all sisters, covenant companions, associates, faith community members, and visitors.
There readers found prayers, stories of St. Francis, reflection questions, spaces to journal, and a schedule of events – – all designed to renew our response to the call of the Spirit.
Liturgies that spoke to the heart
The opening Season of Creation mass on Sept. 6 focused on how lepers were maltreated and isolated in the time of St. Francis as we ask, “who are our lepers today?”
The rest of the month’s liturgies and services celebrated Franciscan values and called us to lives of peace and simplicity:
- Friday, Sept. 10: Taizé prayer service
- Sunday, Sept. 13: Celebrating living water and international solidarity
- Sunday, Sept. 20: Kinship with all creation
- Sunday, Sept. 27: Choosing peace and nonviolence, as demonstrated by the peace-making dialogue between St. Francis and the Sultan
People gathered in respectful silence during the evening of Oct. 3 to participate in the Transitus prayer service recalling the saint’s passing into new life.
Francis Fest brings stories to life
Under a bright autumn sky on Oct. 4, Our Lady of the Angels came alive with praise for the feast of St. Francis. During the 10:30 am mass, banners fluttered and voices lifted in song, recalling the beauty of God’s creation and the importance of spreading peace.
After the liturgy guests were invited to a festive brunch to visit with friends, old and new.
Visitors then began an afternoon “pilgrimage” featuring famous sites from Italy…all conveniently located within the lower level of Our Lady of the Angels in Wheaton. The pilgrims were given travel guides that included the day’s itinerary, maps, puzzles, coloring pages, and a QR code to help walkers tour meaningful outdoor locations across the campus.
Guests were invited to watch a series of three live vignettes depicting aspects of St. Francis’s times:
- Gubbio: After moments of terror, the fierce wolf meets with St. Francis and agrees to make mutual peace with the villagers.
- Rome: Lady Jacoba discusses her conversion, reflects on her final moments with St. Francis, and shares almond cookies with her audience.
- Assisi: St. Francis, St. Clare, and companions share a simple outdoor meal in the warmth of divine love.
Each brief play was conceived and acted out by Wheaton Franciscan sisters, covenant companions, and members of the faith community. Their memorable performances were delightful as well as moving.
Click photo to enlarge
In true Franciscan style, the day closed with prayers, a Scripture reading, and a song of blessing. Guests took home a Franciscan ornament and a bookmark and prayer card depicting the newly approved vision statement: Together, Sowing Hope, Spreading Peace.
“The celebration of the 800th anniversary of the Easter of Francis of Assisi invites us to contemplate our life personally and communally with the eyes of faith, and by doing so, perceive the divine presence and action in everything, even in the difficult and dramatic situation we have experienced or are experiencing now.”
Conference of the Franciscan Family Centenary Guide, 2023-2026