The Friars Minor of Slovenia gathered on September 17, 2024 at the National Marian Shrine "Marija Pomagaj" in Brezje to celebrate the eighth centenary of the stigmatization of St. Francis of Assisi. We were joined by some Capuchin Friars Minor and diocesan priests who are part of the OFS.
The solemn concelebration was presided over by Cardinal Franc Rode, whose patron saint is St. Francis. In his homily he emphasized: "What stands out in St. Francis is his love for the Church. He was not a rebel and did not create divisions. His strength was in love. He knew that the Church is transformed only by suffering for it. Francis suffered from weakness in the Church, but he chose poverty and not rebellion. It was rich in invisible treasures for the Church. By receiving the stigmata, St. Francis identified himself with the suffering of Jesus Christ. Let us identify ourselves with love for the Lord in suffering, which must end in the glory of the Resurrection."
The solemnity ended with the litanies sung in honour of St. Francis and the procession to the chapel in the atrium of the convent which is dedicated to St. Francis stigmatized.
St. Francis stigmatized, pray for us!
Fra Robert Bahčič, OFM