The Gift of the Stigmata
The Franciscan centenary is a journey to ensure that the entire Franciscan Family throughout the world celebrates together the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis' Easter and the culminating events of the last years of his life. Said Centenary has been divided into four Centenaries, respectively spread over four years where it will be possible to reflect and contemplate the Rule and Christmas in Greccio (1223-2023), the gift of the Stigmata (1224-2024), the Canticle of the Creatures (1225- 2025) and the Easter of Francis of Assisi (1226-2026).
The Gift of the Stigmata Mass
Sept. 17, 2024 | Time: TBD
Mary of the Angels Chapel, La Crosse, WI and online via Zoom
All are invited to join us for Mass in Mary of the Angels Chapel to honor the 800th anniversary of St. Francis' gift of the Stigmata.
*Zoom link to come.
*Additional events will be added throughout the year.
Throughout 2023, we immersed ourselves in the Nativity Story:
In 1223, wanting to emphasize the humble circumstances of Jesus's birth and to inspire the local people to more deeply appreciate the Christmas story, St. Francis set up a live Nativity scene in a cave in the quaint Italian village of Greccio. The scene, also called a crèche, included live animals and a hay-filled manger to recreate the birth of Jesus as described in the Gospels.
St. Francis's initiative marked the beginning of a tradition that has since spread around the world, with Nativity scenes now a common part of Christmas celebrations in many cultures. Read "From St. Francis to modern homes: the 800-year legacy of the crèche."
