Celebrating The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi at Sacred Heart
Each year on the evening of October 3, the Franciscan family throughout the world pauses to celebrate a special liturgy in memory of the passing of St. Francis. This beloved saint from Italy who founded the order of the Franciscans was not afraid of what would come at the end of his earthly life, choosing instead to recognize in that experience, not an end, but a transition from one way of living to another that was to come.
Each year on the evening of October 3, the Franciscan family throughout the world pauses to celebrate a special liturgy in memory of the passing of St. Francis. This beloved saint from Italy who founded the order of the Franciscans was not afraid of what would come at the end of his earthly life, choosing instead to recognize in that experience, not an end, but a transition from one way of living to another that was to come.
The Friars of Sacred Heart Parish, in downtown Tampa invite you to join them for a series of Franciscan celebrations, reflecting on that devotion and understanding of creation, as we observe what is known as the Transitus and The Feast of St. Francis.
In a spirit of praise and thanksgiving, the Franciscan Order also celebrates the 800th anniversary of the composition of the Canticle of the Creatures by St. Francis of Assisi in 2025. The Canticle of the Creatures, also known as the Canticle of Brother Sun, is a poem written by St. Francis of Assisi shortly before his death.
The schedule of events is below. The community is invited to participate, and media coverage is welcome.
Tales of Wonder | Wednesday, October 1 | 7 p.m. | Sacred Heart Catholic Church (509 N. Florida Ave.)
In Marty Haugen’s musical Tales of Wonder, a Hawaiian village gathers around two story-tellers who relate some of the familiar and central stories of their faith – Creation, Job, Jesus, and the coming of the Spirit – primarily to the children, but also to the adults. Members of our parish choir and children from the parish will participate in this uplifting performance which features musical renditions of salvation stories. The event is free to the public.
Blessing of the Animals | Thursday, October 2 | 5:30 p.m. | The Franciscan Center (3010 N. Perry Ave.)
The Franciscan Center once again plays host to our Friars blessing the animals of our local community as part of their annual "St. Francis Day." Pets of all kinds and their owners will be blessed by the friars. This annual “Blessing of the Animals” for all furry, finned, and feathered friends is a Franciscan Tradition in celebration of St. Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of animals and the environment. The event is free to the public.
Transitus of St. Francis | Friday, October 3 | 6:30 p.m. | Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Every year, on the third evening of October, Franciscans ritually remember the passing of Francis of Assisi from this life during this liturgy, as a reminder to renew our own commitment to follow Christ in the way of the poor man of Assisi. Join the friars as they continue this tradition, and later for a reception with light refreshments in St. Francis Hall following the liturgy.
The Feast of St. Francis | Saturday, October 4 | 5:30 p.m. | Sacred Heart Catholic Church
The Feast of the father/founder of our Order, St. Francis, will be celebrated at our scheduled vigil Mass, at 5:30 p.m. Each of the Masses for the weekend of the Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time will feature the readings for the Feast, including all five Sunday Masses.
Parishioners and visitors are advised to arrive up to 15 minutes prior to the start of any event, liturgy, or Mass. All are welcome.
Select photos from 2025 Franciscan Celebration events, liturgies, and Masses will be uploaded to shfla.org/francis25 in the hours following the event/liturgy/Mass conclusion.
Additional historical and procedural information about these liturgies can be found at shfla.org/transitus and sacredheartfla.org/about-us/being-franciscan.
For more information about Sacred Heart Catholic Church, click here.
