The Solemnity of Our Holy Father Francis of Assisi: Founder of the Three Orders
The Conventual Franciscan Friars of Our Lady of Consolation invite everyone to celebrate the Solemnity of their Seraphic Father, Saint Francis of Assisi, on the weekend of October 3 and 4. In the Year of Saint Francis proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV and also the 100th Anniversary of the Founding of the Conventual Franciscan Province of Our Lady of Consolation, it is surely God’s providence that our Founder’s feast day falls on a Sunday.
The full schedule for the weekend is as follows:
Saturday, October 3:
- 11:00am — the final Hope & Healing Mass of the year will take place in the Upper Basilica. All those in need of anointing may receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick within Mass. At the end of Mass, all present may come forward to receive a blessing with the Relic of the True Cross.
- 3:30pm — Confessions will be heard in the Lower Basilica.
- 5:00pm — the Vigil Mass for the Solemnity of Saint Francis will be celebrated in the Upper Basilica.
- 7:00pm — the Transitus liturgy will be celebrated in the Original Shrine Church. This short, but moving liturgy, recalls the transitus (“passing”) of Saint Francis from this life to life eternal. Following the liturgy, all are invited to a reception in the Office Building hosted by the Secular Franciscan Order.
Sunday, October 4:
- 9:00am — Mass for the Solemnity of Saint Francis will be celebrated in the Upper Basilica.
- 10:00am — Confessions will be heard in the Lower Basilica.
- 11:00am — Mass for the Solemnity of Saint Francis will be celebrated in the Upper Basilica. Most Reverend Daniel E. Thomas, Bishop of Toledo, will be the principal celebrant. During Mass, Bishop Thomas will also celebrate the Rite of Installation of Friar Paul Schloemer, OFM Conv. as Pastor of Our Lady of Consolation.
- 12:00pm — all are invited to a luncheon in the Shrine Cafeteria hosted by the Rosary Altar Society.
- 2:00pm — Full Shrine Devotions with a Rosary Procession will be prayed in the Upper Basilica. Bishop Daniel E. Thomas will preside at devotions. Shrine Devotions consist of:
- a hymn to our Blessed Mother
- enrollment into the Confraternity of Our Lady of Consolation
- the recitation of the Rosary while processing with the Miraculous Statue
- adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
- Scripture reading and homily
- benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
- prayers for healing
We look forward to welcoming parishioners and pilgrims to celebrate this wonderful feast of Saint Francis. May the example of the Poverello of Assisi lead us to humbly follow Christ ever more closely and bring peace to our troubled world.
Pax et bonum!
*The Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation is a designated pilgrimage site for the Year of Saint Francis. All those who visit the Basilica and take part in any sacred liturgy/rite, or recite the Our Father, Creed, and the prayer to Saint Francis by Pope Leo, may obtain a plenary indulgence after also fulfilling the usual conditions of sacramental confession, reception of Holy Communion, and prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father.