Franciscans celebrate 800th anniversary of St Francis
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There was a large attendance at the day’s ceremonies.Image 2 of 4
Some of those who attended the event.Image 3 of 4
Fr Kieran Cronin, OFM, Guardian of the Friary at Multyfarnham, addressing the gathering.Image 4 of 4
Inset: Fr Jacopo Pozzerle OFM, spoke of the work of the YouFra group.Members of the Franciscan Family from all over Ireland gathered in Multyfarnham on Saturday to celebrate together the Octocentenary (800th anniversary) of the death of St Francis of Assisi.
The day began with welcome refreshments on arrival at 11am, and at 11.30am, there was a formal welcome service where all gathered in the church. MC for day, and chief organiser along with Sr Suzanne FMM, was Francis Cotter OFM, and he opened the service, before inviting David Collins OFM, Minister Provincial, to welcome all present.
Following that, Kieran Cronin, OFM, Guardian at Multy, gave an introduction to the area and its history going back to its foundation in 1268. The YouFra group from the friary in Galway spoke, and Ronan OFM and Jakobo OFM introduced YouFra to the assembled Franciscans and collaborators. The gathering then heard two of the young people from YouFra speak about their personal journey in encountering the message of St Francis in their lives.
After a light lunch, which was a time for making new friends and catching up with old, the group reassembled in the church to watch a St Francis Tableau presented by the girls of Sacred Heart Grammar School in Newry, a school established by the Sisters of St Clare.
The day concluded with Mass at 3pm when Fr Richard Hendrick, OFM Cap, presided and was joined on the Sanctuary by Fr David Collins, OFM, and Fr Kieran Cronin, OFM, and many other priests concelebrating.
As Fr David said in his final words of thanks to all who had made the day possible, and all who had travelled from all parts of the island to be there, it was a day when everyone felt the love of being part of one family, a family inspired by St Francis.